THE ROMAN BREVIARY
THE ROMAN BREVIARY
REFORMED BY ORDER OF THE HOLY
OECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF TRENT;
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF POPE ST
PIUS V. ; AND REVISED BY CLEMENT
VIII., URBAN VIII., AND LEO XIII.
TOGETHER WITH THE
OFFICES SINCE GRANTED
AND THE MARTYROLOGY
TRANSLATED OUT OF
LATIN INTO ENGLISH BY
JOHN, MARQUESS OF BUTE, K.T.
A NEW EDITION
FOR USE IN ENGLAND
IN FOUR VOLS.
VOL. III. SUMMER
WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS
EDINBURGH AND LONDON
M C M V 1 1 1
CONTENTS
THE PIE ... . . See vol. i. p. xix
TWO EASY TABLES .... ix
THE KALENDAR ... . XIX
PRAYERS. ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS . xxxiii
THE PSALTER
MATTINS
SUNDAY .... . . I
MONDAY ..... . 73
TUESDAY . . .92
WEDNESDAY . . . . Io8
THURSDAY . .... . . . .123
FRIDAY . . .140
SATURDAY ..... .157
LAUDS
SUNDAY ........ . 22
MONDAY ........... . 87
TUESDAY ... .... .105
WEDNESDAY . . ....... . I 2O
THURSDAY ... .... .137
FRIDAY ... ...&lt;.. . 153
SATURDAY . 171
TWO EASY TABLES. j x
TWO EASY TABLES,
COMPILED FROM THE PIE.
And in which it can be seen at a glance what is to be done
( I ) W hen the Second Vespers of one Office fall on the same evening with the First
Vespers of another Office.
(2) When t&lt;wo Offices fall on the same day.
To use these Tables, find the little square in which lines drawn from the
designations of the two Offices meet at right angles, and then look what direction
is given underneath the Table, with the number inscribed in the square.
For instance, in Table A a Double of the Second Class meets a Semi-double
in a square containing the numeral 4. And 4 gives the Rule " all of the former,
with a Commemoration of the latter," but if the case be reversed they meet in I,
and the Service is "all of the latter, nothing of the former." And so in Table B,
the case of a Double of the Second Class and a Semi-double falling on the same
day is provided for in 4 and 3, and it is ordered that the Semi-double be com
memorated and the Double of the Second Class observed, o indicates a case
which either cannot occur, or which is the subject of special directions in its own
place. However, it is first needful to know the rank of the different Offices.
LIST OF FEASTS ACCORDING TO THEIR CLASS.
Doubles of the First Class.
Christmas Day. Dec. 25.
Twelfth-Day. Jan. 6.
Maundy Thursday.
Good Friday.
Holy Saturday.
Easter Day.
Easter Monday.
Easter Tuesday.
Ascension Day.
Whitsun Day.
Whitsun Monday.
Whitsun Tuesday.
Corpus Christi.
The Sacred Heart.
The Immaculate Conception. Dec. 8.
Lady Day. March 25.
VOL. III. a 2
TWO EASY TABLES.
The Assumption, Aug. I 5.
The Birthday of St John the Baptist. June 24.
St Joseph. March 19.
SS. Peter and Paul. June 29.
All Saints. Nov. I.
St Thomas of Canterbury. 1 Dec. 29.
St George. April 23.
St Augustine of Canterbury. May 26.
The Dedication of the Particular Church.
The Feast of the Patron, or Titular of the Particular Church.
The Feast of the Chief Patron or Patrons of the diocese.
Doubles of the Second Class.
The Circumcision. Jan. i.
The Holy Name.
The Most Holy Trinity.
The Most Precious Blood.
The Finding of the Cross. May 3.
Candlemas Day. Feb. 2.
The Visitation. July 2.
The Birth of the Blessed Virgin. Sept. 8.
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Rosary.
Michaelmas Day. Sept. 29.
The Patronage of St Joseph.
The Feasts of the Eleven Apostles, and of the Evangelists.
St Stephen. Dec. 26.
The Holy Innocents. Dec. 28.
St Lawrence. Aug. 10.
St Anne. July 26.
St Joachim.
St Gregory the Great. March 12.
St Edward. Oct. 13.
Greater Doubles.
The Commemorations
Of the Prayer of our Lord,
Of His Sufferings,
Of His Coronation,
Of His Piercing,
Of His Enshroudment,
Of His Five Wounds,
Of His Precious Blood.
The Transfiguration. Aug. 6.
The Most Holy Redeemer. Oct. 23.
The Exaltation of the Cross. Sept. 14.
Dedication of the Church of St Saviour. Nov. 9.
1 Regarding the rank of this Feast, see note under his day.
TWO EASY TABLES. xi
The Expectation of the Blessed Virgin. Dec. 18.
Her Espousal. Jan. 23.
Her Sorrows (the two Feasts).
The Blessed Virgin styled Help of Christians. May 24.
The Blessed Virgin styled of Mount Carmel. July 1 6.
Dedication of St Mary s of the Snows. Aug. 5.
The Name of Mary.
The Blessed Virgin styled of Ransom. Sept. 24.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin.
Her Motherhood.
Her Purity.
Her Patronage.
Manifestation of St Michael. May 8.
St Gabriel. March 18.
St Raphael. Oct. 24.
The Guardian Angels. Oct. 2.
The Beheading of the Baptist. Aug. 29.
St Peter s Chair at Rome. Jan. 18.
St Peter s Chair at Antioch. Feb. 22.
St Peter s Chains. Aug. i.
The Conversion of St Paul. January 25.
Commemoration of St Paul. June 30.
Dedication of the Churches of SS. Peter and Paul. Nov. 18.
St John before the Latin Gate. May 6.
St Barnabas. June 1 1 .
The Blessed John and his companions. May 4.
St Bede the Venerable. May 27.
St Alban. June 22.
Translation of St Thomas of Canterbury. July 7.
The Holy Relics (second Sunday in July).
St Ursula. Oct. 21.
St Edmund the Martyr. Nov. 20.
St Benedict. March 21.
St Dominic. Aug. 4.
St Francis. Oct. 4.
St Patrick. March 17.
St Francis Xavier. Dec. 3. 1
Sundays of the First Class.
The First Sunday of Advent.
The First Sunday of Lent.
Passion Sunday.
Palm Sunday.
Easter Sunday.
Low Sunday.
Whitsunday.
Trinity Sunday.
1 The Feast was an Ordinary Double when the Office given in this Breviary was printed.
xii TWO EASY TABLES.
Sundays of the Second Class.
The Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays in Advent.
Septuagesima Sunday.
Sexagesima Sunday.
Quinquagesima Sunday.
The Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays of Lent.
Greater Week-days.
Those of Advent.
Those of Lent.
The Ember Days.
Rogation Monday.
In the General Appendix will be found the following Greater Doubles.
Translation of the Holy House of Loreto.
The Finding of the Child JESUS in the Temple.
The Holy Home.
The Blessed Thomas Plumtree and his Companions.
The Flight of our Lord JESUS Christ into Egypt.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled of Good Counsel.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled the Mother ofthe Lord our Shepherd.
Lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled Mother of Grace.
Translation of St Edmund.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled of Perpetual Succour.
The Blessed John Fisher.
The Blessed Thomas More.
Translation of St Cuthbert.
The Blessed Thomas Percy.
LIST OF PRIMARY FEASTS,
I. Doubles of the First Class.
Christmas.
Twelfth Day.
Easter Day.
The Ascension.
Whitsun Day.
Corpus Christi.
The Immaculate Conception.
Lady Day.
The Assumption.
The Birthday of St John the Baptist.
St Joseph.
TWO EASY TABLES. xiii
SS. Peter and Paul.
All Saints.
St Thomas of Canterbury.
St George.
St Augustine of Canterbury.
The Dedication of the Particular Church.
The Patron or Titular.
The principal Patron or Patrons of the district or diocese.
II. Doubles of the Second Class.
The Circumcision.
The Most Holy Trinity.
Candlemas Day.
The Visitation.
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.
Michaelmas Day.
The Feasts of the Eleven Apostles, and of the Evangelists.
St Stephen. Dec. 26.
The Holy Innocents.
St Lawrence.
St Anne.
St Joachim.
St Gregory the Great.
St Edward.
III. Greater Doubles.
The Transfiguration.
The Dedication of St Saviour s.
Dedication of St Mary s of the Snows.
The Angels Guardian.
The Dedication of the Basilicas of SS. Peter and Paul.
St Barnabas.
St Benedict.
St Dominic.
St Francis.
St Gabriel.
St Raphael.
The Blessed John and his Companions.
St Bede the Venerable.
St Alban.
The Holy Relics.
St Ursula.
St Edmund the Martyr.
St Patrick.
St Francis Xavier.
IV. Doubles.
The Birthday (or day kept as such) of each Saint.
x iv TWO EASY TABLES.
LIST OF SECONDARY FEASTS.
I. Doubles of the First Class.
The Most Sacred Heart of JESUS.
II. Doubles of the Second Class.
The Most Holy Name of JESUS.
The Finding of the Holy Cross.
The Feast of the Most Precious Blood.
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Rosary.
The Patronage of St Joseph.
III. Greater Doubles.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
The Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin (the two Feasts).
The Blessed Virgin styled of Mount Carmel.
Her Holy Name.
The Blessed Virgin styled of Ransom.
Her Presentation.
The Manifestation of St Michael.
The Beheading of St John the Baptist.
St Peter s Chair at Rome.
St Peter s Chair at Antioch.
St Peter s Chains.
The Conversion of St Paul.
The Commemoration of St Paul.
St John before the Latin Gate.
The Commemorations
Of the Prayer of our Lord,
Of His Sufferings,
Of His Coronation,
Of His Piercing,
Of His Enshroudment,
Of His Five Wounds,
Of His Precious Blood.
Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer.
The Espousal of the Blessed Virgin.
Her Motherhood.
Her Purity.
Her Patronage.
The Expectation of the Blessed Virgin.
The Blessed Virgin styled Help of Christians.
Translation of St Thomas of Canterbury.
All other Feasts of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Saints not
provided for in these lists.
TWO EASY TABLES.
XV
TABLE A.
If the Second Vespers of
An Higher Sunday (i.e., of the First or
Second Class) .....
4
3
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
An Ordinary Sunday ....
4
3
4
4
3
3
i
i
i
o
A Double of the First Class .
2
4
2
4
4
4
6
4
6
4
A Double of the Second Class
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
6
3
4
A Patron or Titular ....
2
4
2
4
4
4
4
6
4
A Greater Double ....
4
4
4
4
4
6
i
3
i
4
A Double
4
5
4
4
5
3
3
i
4
A Semi-double .....
4
3
4
5
3
3
i
i
i
5
An Octave-day .....
4
5
4
4
5
3
i
3
i
4
A Day within an Octave
3
4
3
3
3
i
i
5
i . All of the latter, nothing of the former.
-K t
2. All of the former, nothing of the latter.
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3. All of the latter, but with a Com
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memoration of the former.
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memoration of the latter.
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Chapter, inclusive, but with a Com
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memoration of the former.
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important ; if equal, Vespers of the
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latter from the Chapter inclusive.
rt
At the First Vespers of the Octave-days of the Ascension and of Corpus
Christi and of other Primary Feasts of our Lord, the whole Service is of the
Octave. If a Double Feast have occupied the day, it is only commemorated,
xvi TWO EASY TABLES.
unless it be of the First or Second Class, in which case the Service is of it, with
a Commemoration of the First Vespers of the Octave.
If the Second Vespers of the Octave-days of the Feasts of our Lord which
are Primary and more solemn, such as those of Twelfth-Day, Easter, the
Ascension, and the others, clash with the First Vespers of a Double (including
the Octave-day of St John the Baptist), the Double is only commemorated,
unless it be of the First or Second Class, the Patron, Titular, or Dedication
Feast of the particular Church, in which cases the Service is of the Double,
with a Commemoration of the Second Vespers of the Octave.
On the Octave-days of Primary Feasts of the Blessed Virgin, the Angels,
St John the Baptist, St Joseph, and the Holy Apostles, there is only a Com
memoration made of an Ordinary or Lesser Double that precedes or follows.
If a Double or Semi-double Feast have been reduced to the condition of a
Simple according to the Pie, Chap, x., and a Double of the First Class fall
upon the day before, the reduced Feast is commemorated at the Second Vespers
of the Double of the First Class only if it is to be commemorated at the Lauds
of the succeeding day, that is to say of its own day ; but upon Doubles of the
Second Class such a reduced Feast is commemorated at both Vespers in the
same way as an Octave-day or a Sunday would be ; but a day within an Octave
is not commemorated unless the next day s Office be of the same.
When several Commemorations are to be made, they are arranged in the order
of i, Privileged Sunday; 2, Octave-Day; 3, Greater Double; 4, Reduced
Double ; 5, Ordinary Sunday ; 6, Day within the Octave of Corpus Christi ;
7, Semi-double ; 8, Day within an Octave, reduced to the form of Simple ;
9, Greater Week-day or Eve; 10, Simple.
TTABLE B.
TWO EASY TABLES.
XVll
TABLE B.
If
A Double of the First Class
6
416
6
4
6
6
2
2
2
8
4
4
I
A Double of the Second Class .
4
4 4
4
4
6
4
2
2
8
i
4
i
I
A Greater Double
Q
! ,
4
A Double of a Doctor
4
4
4
4
i
4
o
O
I
I
4
i
I
A Double
3
3
3
A Day within an Octave .
4
4
4
3
3
7
3
3
3
5
5
3
3
An Octave-dav
3
4
3
3
A Semi-double
4
4
4
7
3
4
3
3
3
3
5
3
3
3
A Simple ....
3
3
o
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
5
3
3
3
A Greater Week-day
6
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
5
o
o
o
An Eve .....
5
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
5
o
o
o
i . The former is transferred, and
the latter observed.
3
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the latter transferred.
3. The latter is observed, and
the former commemorated.
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Greater We
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Double of t
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the latter commemorated.
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observed.
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6. The former is observed, and
en
the latter altogether omitted.
7. The more important is ob
served, and the less im
portant commemorated.
8. The more important is ob
served, and the less im
portant transferred.
VOL. III.
xviii TWO EASY TABLES.
Note.
A Double of any sort, even the Patron, Titular, or Dedication Feast of the
particular Church, if it fall on Dec. 24, Whitsun Eve, Jan. i or 13, Ash
Wednesday, Holy, Easter, or Whitsun Weeks, Ascension Day, Corpus Christi
Day, March 25, Aug. 15, Dec. 8, Midsummer Day, March 19, June 29, or
Nov. i, is transferred, if it can be transferred, but if not, it is simply com
memorated upon its own day, or totally omitted, as may be directed in the Pie.
Within the Octave of the Epiphany no Feast can be kept except Double
Feasts of the First Class, and that with Commemoration of the Octave. Other
Feasts of Nine Lessons are permanently fixed on the first free day after the
Octave ; Simples are commemorated only. Within the Octave of Corpus Christi,
Semi-doubles are reduced to the rank of Simples and commemorated, neither can
Doubles be transferred thither unless they be of the First or Second Class, and a
Commemoration is always made of the Octave. Within those Octaves, in which
the observance of Feasts is allowed, a Semi-double, if it fall on a Sunday, is
commemorated as prescribed by the Pie.
The Octaves of Christmas, Twelfth -Day, and Corpus Christi, are com
memorated at every Vespers and Lauds, whatever be the Office.
Other Octaves, which are not in the Kalendar, 1 are not observed from Ash
Wednesday to Low Sunday, or Whitsun Eve to Trinity Sunday, both inclusive,
or from Dec. 17 to Jan. 6.
An Octave-day can never be transferred. Therefore, if Corpus Christi fall
on Midsummer Day, and the Feast of St John were consequently kept on June
25, July i would be kept as the Octave of Corpus Christi, with a Commemoration
of the Octave of St John at both Vespers and at Lauds.
If some other Saints be mentioned in the Kalendar on the same day with the
Patron or Titular, the Feast of the Patron or Titular alone is observed. If the
other Feast be a Double or Semi-double, it is permanently fixed on the first free
day and kept as a Semi-double. If it is a Double of the First or Second Class,
it is similarly transferred and kept as on its own day. 2
The Week-days of Advent and Lent, if not kept as such, are always com
memorated at both Vespers and Lauds, whatever be the Office ; Ember Days,
Eves, and Rogation Monday, at Lauds only. But if an Eve fall in Advent or
Lent, on an Ember Day, a Double of the First Class, or the Patronal, Titular,
or Dedication Feast of the particular Church, no notice is taken of it, even in
Lauds.
1 But in the diocese of Hexham there is a special privilege permitting the observance of an
Octave in honour of St Cuthbert.
2 I.e., in that particular Church, it has a day fixed other than elsewhere.
KALENDAR. x ix
KALENDAR.
JANUARY.
1. Circumcision of our Lord. Double of the Second Class.
2. Octave of St Stephen. Double. Commemoration of the Octaves of St
Thomas of Canterbury, of St John, and of the Holy Innocents.
3. Octave of St John, Apostle and Evangelist. Double. Commemoration of
St Thomas of Canterbury, and of the Octave of the Holy Innocents.
4. Octave of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs. Double. Commemoration of St
Thomas of Canterbury.
5. Octave of St Thomas of Canterbury, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of
the Eve of the Epiphany and of St Telesphorus, Pope of Rome, Martyr.
6. EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD. Double of the First Class.
7. Within the Octave of the Epiphany.
8. Within the Octave.
9. Within the Octave.
10. Within the Octave.
1 1 . Within the Octave. Commemoration of St Hyginus, Pope of Rome, and
Martyr.
12. Within the Octave.
* Lord s Day within the Octave of the Epiphany. [_The Finding of the Child
JESUS in the Temple. Greater Double. General Appendix.]
13. Octave of the Epiphany. Double.
* Second Lord s Day after the Epiphany. Feast of the Most Holy Name of
JESUS. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration of the Sunday.
14. Hilary, Bishop [of Poitiers,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double.
Commemoration of St Felix, Priest and Martyr,
i 5. Paul, the First Hermit. Double. Commemoration of St Maurus, Abbat.
1 6. Marcellus, Pope and Martyr. Semi-double.
17. Antony, Abbat. Double.
1 8. The Chair of St Peter at Rome. Greater Double. Commemoration of St
Paul and of St Prisca, Virgin and Martyr.
19. Wolstan, Bishop [of Worcester,] Confessor. Double. Commemoration of
SS. Maris, Audifax, Abachum, and Martha, Martyrs.
* Third Lord s Day after the Epiphany. [The Feast of the Holy Home,
JESUS, Mary, and Joseph. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
20. Fabian and Sebastian, Martyrs. Double.
2 1 . Agnes, Virgin and Martyr. Double.
22. Vincent and Anastasius. Semi-double.
23. Espousal of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St Joseph. Greater Double. Com
memoration of St Joseph and of Emerentiana, Virgin and Martyr.
24. Timothy, Bishop [of Ephesus,] Martyr. Double.
XX KALENDAR.
25. Conversion of St Paul. Greater Double. Commemoration of St Peter.
26. Polycarp, Bishop [of Smyrna,] Martyr. Double.
27. John Chrysostom, Patriarch [of Constantinople,] Confessor and Doctor of
the Church. Double.
28. Raymond of Penafuerte, Confessor. Semi- Doubled Commemoration of St
Agnes for the second time.
29. Francis de Sales, Bishop [of Geneva,] Confessor, and Doctor of the
Church. Double.
30. Martina, Virgin and Martyr. Semi-Double.
\_Double in the Province of Westminster.]
3 1 . Peter Nolasco, Confessor. Double.
* Friday after Septuagesima Sunday, Prayer of our Lord in the Garden of
Gethsemane. Greater Double.
* Friday after Sexagesima Sunday, Sufferings of our Lord. Greater Double.
FEBRUARY.
1. Ignatius, Bishop [of Antioch,] Martyr. Double.
2. Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double of the Second Class.
3. Laurence, Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor. Double. Commemoration
of Blase, Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia, Martyr.
4. Andrew Corsini, Bishop [of Fiesole,] Confessor. Double.
5. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. Double.
6. Titus, Archbishop [of Gortyna in Crete,] Confessor. Double. Commem
oration of St Dorothy, Virgin and Martyr.
7. Romuald, Abbat. Double.
8. John de la Mata, Confessor. Double.
9. Cyril, Pope of Alexandria, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double.
Commemoration of St Apollonia, Virgin and Martyr.
[The Twenty-six Holy Martyrs who suffered in Japan. Double. Gen.
App.]
10. Scholastica, Virgin. Double.
11. Gilbert [of Sempringham,] Confessor. Semi-double.
12. Benedict Biscop, Abbat, Confessor. Double.
13. The Seven Founders of the Servite Order, Confessors. Double.
[Kentigern, Bishop [of Glasgow,] Confessor. Double. Gen. App.]
1 4. Valentine, Priest and Martyr.
[Thomas Plumtree and his Companions, Martyrs. Greater Double. Gen.
App.]
i 5. Faustinus and Jovita, Martyrs.
1 6.
17. [The Flight of our Lord JESUS Christ into Egypt. Greater Double. Gen.
App.]
1 8. Simeon, Bishop [of Jerusalem,] Martyr.
19.
1 See vol. i. p. 723.
KALENDAR. XXI
20.
21.
22. The Chair of St Peter at Antioch. Greater Double. Commemoration of St
Paul.
23. Peter Damian, [Cardinal] Bishop [of Ostia,] Confessor, and Doctor of the
Church. Double. Commemoration of the Eve.
24. Matthias, Apostle. Double of the Second Class.
25.
26. Ethelbert, King of Kent, Confessor. Double.
27. [Margaret of Cortona, Penitent. Semi-double. Gen. App.]
28.
In Leap- Year February has 29 days, the additional day is inserted after the
23rd, the 24th is then the Eve of St Matthias, and the following days
are each counted one later, the Feast of St Matthias being the 25th, &c.
* First Friday in Lent, Coronation of our Lord with Thorns. Greater
Double.
Second Friday in Lent, Piercing of Our Lord with Spear and Nails.
Greater Double.
Third Friday in Lent, Enshroudment of our Lord. Greater Double.
Fourth Friday in Lent, The Five Most Holy Wounds of our Lord.
Greater Double.
MARCH.
1 . David, Archbishop [of Caerleon,] Confessor. Double.
2. Chad, Bishop [of Lichfield,] Confessor. Double.
3. Aelred, Abbat, Confessor. Semi-double.
4. Casimir, Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of St Lucius, Pope of
Rome, and Martyr.
6!
7. Thomas of Aquino, Confessor, and Doctor of -the Church. Double. Com
memoration of SS. Perpetua and Felicitas, Martyrs.
8. Felix, Bishop [of Dunwich,] Confessor. Double.
9. Frances of Rome, Widow. Double.
10. The Forty Martyrs. Semi-double.
11. John of God, Confessor. Double.
12. Gregory [_the Great,~\ Pope of Rome, Doctor of the Church, and Apostle of
England. Double of the Second Class.
J 3-
14.
T 5-
16.
17. Patrick, Archbishop [of Armagh,] Confessor. Greater Double.
I 8. The Archangel Gabriel. Greater Double.
19. JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Double of the First
Class.
xxii KALENDAR.
20. Cuthbert, Bishop [of Lindisfarne,] Confessor. Double.
[In the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle this Feast has an Octave. See
Gen. App.]
2 i . Benedict, Abbat and Confessor. Greater Double.
22. Cyril, Bishop [of Jerusalem,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double.
[Edward, King of England, Martyr. Double. Gen. App.]
2 3-
24.
25. ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Double of the First Class.
26. [The Penitent Thief. Double. Gen. App.]
27. John of Damascus, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double.
28. John of Capistrano, Confessor. Semi-double.
29.
30.
31.
* Friday in Passion Week, Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Greater
Double.
APRIL.
i.
2. Francis of Paola, Confessor. Double.
3. Richard, Bishop [of Chichester,] Confessor. Double.
4. Isidore, Archbishop [of Seville,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double.
5. Vincent Ferrer, Confessor. Double.
6.
7-
8.
9-
10.
ii. Leo the Great, Pope of Rome, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double.
12.
13. Hermenegild, Martyr. Semi-double.
14. Justin, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of SS. Tiburtius, Valerian, and
Maximus, Martyrs.
*5-
16.
17. Stephen Harding, Abbat, Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of St
Anicete, Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
18.
19. jElphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr. Double.
20.
2 1 . Anselm, Archbishop [of Canterbury,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double.
22. Soter and Caius, Popes of Rome, and Martyrs. Semi-double.
KALENDAR. xxiii
23. GEORGE, MARTYR, PATRON OF ENGLAND. Double of the First Class.
24. Faithful of Sigmaringen, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave
of St George and of St Mellitus, Archbishop of Canterbury.
25. Mark, Evangelist. Double of the Second Class.
26. Cletus and Marcellinus, Popes of Rome, and Martyrs. Semi-double. Com
memoration of the Octave of St George.
[The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled of Good Counsel. Greater Double.
Gen. App.]
27. Egbert, Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of the Octave of St
George.
28. Paul of the Cross, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of
St George and of St Vitalis, Martyr.
29. Peter, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St George.
30. Octave of St George, Martyr. Double.
* Third Lord s Day after Easter, Patronage of St Joseph. Double of the
Second Class. Commemoration of the Sunday.
[In some dioceses this Feast has an Octave. See Gen. App.]
MAY.
1 . Philip and James, Apostles. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration
of St Asaph, Bishop of St Asaph.
[* First Lord s Day in May, The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled the Mother
of the Lord our Shepherd. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
2. Athanasius, Pope of Alexandria, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double.
3. Finding of the Holy Cross. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration
of SS. Alexander, Eventius, and Theodulus, Martyrs, and Juvenal, Bishop
of Narni, Confessor.
4. John, Cardinal Bishop of Rochester, Thomas More, and their companions,
Martyrs. Greater Double.
5. Katharine of Sienna, Virgin. Double.
6. John, Apostle and Evangelist, before the Latin Gate. Greater Double.
7. Stanislaw, Bishop [of Crakow,] Martyr. Double.
8. Manifestation of the Archangel St Michael. Greater Double.
9. Gregory of Nazianzus, Patriarch [of Constantinople,] Confessor, and Doctor
of the Church. Double.
10. Antonine, Archbishop [of Florence,] Confessor. Double. Commemoration
of SS. Gordian and Epimachus, Martyrs.
11. Pius V., Pope of Rome, Confessor. Double.
[John Rochester and James Walworth and their Companions, Martyrs.
Double. Gen. App.]
12. Nereus, Achilles, the Virgin Domitilla, and Pancras, Martyrs. Semi-double.
[Lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
13. Walburg, Virgin. Double.
14. Monica, Widow. Double. Commemoration of St Boniface, Martyr.
xxiv KALENDAR.
i 5. [Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, Confessor. Double. Gen. App.]
[The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled Mother of Grace. Greater Double.
Gen. App.]
1 6. Simon Stock, Confessor. Double.
17. Paschal Baylon, Confessor. Double.
1 8. Venantius, Martyr. Double.
19. Dunstan, Archbishop [of Canterbury,] Confessor. Double. Commemora
tion of St Pudentiana, Virgin.
20. Bernardine of Sienna. Semi-double. t
2 1 . Peter Celestine, Pope of Rome, Confessor. Double.
22. Ubald, Bishop [of Gubbio,] Confessor. Semi- double.
23. John Baptist de Rossi, Confessor. Double.
2 4 . The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled " Help of Christians." Greater Double.
[In the dioceses of Shrewsbury and Westminster, Double of the First Class,
with an Octave. Gen. App.]
25. Aldhelm, Bishop [of Sherborne,] Confessor. Double. Commemoration of
St Urban, Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
26. AUGUSTINE, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, CONFESSOR, APOSTLE OF ENGLAND.
Double of the First Class.
27. Bede the Venerable, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Greater Double.
Commemoration of the Octave of St Augustine and of St John I., Pope
of Rome, and Martyr.
28. Gregory VII., Pope of Rome, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the
Octave of St Augustine.
[The Blessed Margaret Pole, Countess [of Salisbury,] Martyr. Double.
Gen. App.]
29. Eleutherius, Pope of Rome, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the
Octave of St Augustine.
30. John of Nepomuc, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St
Augustine and of St Felix, Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
31. Angela Merici, Virgin. Double. Commemorations of the Octave of St
Augustine and of St Petronilla, Virgin.
* Third Lord s Day after Pentecost, the Most Sacred Heart of JESUS.
Double of the First Class. Commemoration of the Sunday.
JUNE.
1. Within the Octave of St Augustine of Canterbury.
2. Octave of St Augustine of Canterbury. Double. Commemoration of SS.
Marcellinus, Peter, and Elmo, Martyrs.
3. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, Virgin. Double.
4. Francis Caracciolo, Confessor. Double.
5. Boniface, Archbishop [of Maintz,] Martyr. Double.
[In the diocese of Plymouth, a Double of the First Class, with an Octave.
Gen. App.]
6. Norbert, Archbishop [of Magdeburg,] Confessor. Double.
7-
KALENDAR. XXV
8. William, Archbishop of York, Confessor. Double.
9. Primus and Felician, Martyrs.
\_In the diocese of Portsmouth, Translation of St Edmund, Archbishop of
Canterbury, Confessor. Greater Double. Gen. App.J
10. Margaret, Queen of Scots, Widow. Double.
i I . Barnabas, Apostle. Greater Double.
12. John of San Fagondez. Double. Commemoration of SS. Basilides, Cyrinus,
Nabor, and Nazarius, Martyrs.
13. Anthony of Padua, Confessor. Double.
14. Basil the Great, Archbishop [of Csesarea-in-Pontus,] Confessor and Doctor
of the Church. Double.
15. Philip Neri, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of SS. Vitus, Modestus,
and Crescentia, Martyrs.
1 6.
17. Botolph, Abbat, Confessor. Semi-double.
[Lord s Day before the birth of St John the Baptist, the Blessed Virgin
Mary, styled of Perpetual Succour. Greater Double. Gen. App.J
1 8. Mark and Marcellian, Martyrs.
19. Juliana de Falconieri, Virgin. Double. Commemoration of SS. Gervase
and Protase, Martyrs.
20. Silverius, Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
21. Aloysius Gonzaga, Confessor. Double.
22. Alban, Proto-Martyr of Britain. Greater Double. Commemoration of
Paulinus, Bishop of Nola, Confessor.
[First Free Day after June 22, the Blessed John Fisher, Cardinal Bishop of
Rochester, Martyr. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
23. Etheldreda, Virgin. Double. Commemoration of Midsummer Eve.
24. BIRTH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST. Double of the First Class.
25. William, Abbat, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St
John.
26. John and Paul, Martyrs. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St
John.
27. Within the Octave of the Birth of St John.
28. Leo II., Pope of Rome, and Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of
the Octave of St John, and of the Eve of the Apostles.
29. PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES. Double of the First Class.
[Commemoration of all the Holy Apostles. Gen. App.J
30. Commemoration of St Paul. Greater Double. Commemoration of St Peter,
and of the Octave of St John.
JULY.
* First Lord s Day in July, the Most Precious Blood of our Lord JESUS
Christ. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration of the Sunday.
Octave of the Birth of St John the Baptist. Double. Commemoration of
the Octave of SS. Peter and Paul.
xxvi KALENDAR.
2. Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double of the Second Class. Com
memoration of SS. Processus and Martinian, Martyrs.
3. Within the Octave of the Apostles.
4. Within the Octave of the Apostles.
5. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the
Octave of the Apostles.
6. Octave of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Double.
[First Free Day after July 6, the Blessed Thomas More, Martyr. Greater
Double. Gen. App.]
7. Translation of Thomas, Archbishop [of Canterbury], Martyr. Greater Double.
* Second Lord s Day in July, the Holy Relics. Greater Double. Com
memoration of the Sunday.
8. Isabel, Queen of Portugal, Widow. Semi-double.
9. Willibald, Bishop of Eichstad, Confessor. Double.
10. The Seven Brethren and the Holy Virgins Rufina and Secunda, all Martyrs.
Semi- double.
11. Cyril, Bishop of Moravia, and Methodius, Bishop of KiefF, Confessors.
Double. Commemoration of St Pius I., Pope and Martyr.
12. John Gualberto, Abbat [of Passignano,] Double. Commemoration of SS.
Nabor and Felix, Martyrs.
13. Anaclete, Pope of Rome, and Martyr. Semi-double.
14. " Buona- ventura," [Cardinal] Bishop [of Albano,] Confessor, and Doctor
of the Church. Double.
15. Swithun, Bishop [of Winchester,] Confessor. Double.
[The Division of the Apostles. Double. Gen. App.]
[Third Sunday in July, Commemoration of All the Holy Bishops of Rome.
Double. Gen. App.]
1 6. The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled of Mount Carmel. Greater Double.
[In the diocese of Salford, Double of the First Class. Gen. App.]
17. Osmund, Bishop [of Salisbury,] Confessor. Double.
1 8. Camillus de Lelli, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Symphorosa
and her Seven Sons, Martyrs.
19. Vincent de Paul, Confessor. Double.
20. Jerome Miani, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Margaret, Virgin
and Martyr.
21. Henry II., Emperor of the Romans, Confessor. Semi-double. Commem
oration of St Praxedes, Virgin.
22. Mary Magdalen. Double.
23. Apollinaris, Bishop [of Ravenna,] Martyr. Double. Commemoration of St
Liborius, Bishop of Mans, Confessor.
24. Alexis, Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of the Eve of St James,
and of St Christina, Virgin and Martyr.
25. James, Apostle. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration of St Chris
topher, Martyr.
26. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double of the Second Class.
[/ the diocese of Leeds, Double of the First Class. Gen. App.]
27. Pantaleon, Martyr.
28. Nazarius, Celsus, and Victor, Martyrs, and Innocent, Pope of Rome, and
Confessor. Semi-double.
KALENDAR. xxvii
29. Martha, Virgin. Semi-double. Commemoration of SS. Felix, Simplicius,
Faustinus, and Beatrix, Martyrs.
30. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of SS.
Abdon and Sennen, Martyrs.
31. Ignatius, Confessor. Double.
AUGUST.
1. The Chains of St Peter. Greater Double. Commemoration of the Holy
Machabees, Martyrs.
2. Alphonsus Maryde Liguori, Bishop [of Santa- Agata-de -Goti,] Confessor,
and Doctor of the Church. Double. Commemoration of St Stephen,
Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
3. Finding of the body of St Stephen, the First Martyr. Semi-double.
4. Dominick, Confessor. Greater Double.
5. Dedication of St Mary s of the Snows. Greater Double.
6. Transfiguration of our Lord. Greater Double. Commemoration of St
Xystus, Pope of Rome, and SS. Felicissimus and Agapitus, Martyrs.
7. Gae tan, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Donatus, Bishop of
Arezzo, Martyr.
8. Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus, Martyrs. Semi-double.
9. Oswald, King of the Northumbrians, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of
the Eve of St Lawrence, and of St Romanus, Martyr.
1 o. Lawrence, Martyr. Double of the Second Class.
11. Within the Octave of St Lawrence. Commemoration of SS. Tiburtius and
Susanna.
12. Clare, Virgin. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St Lawrence.
13. Within the Octave of St Lawrence. Commemoration of SS. Hippolytus
and Cassian, Martyrs.
14. Within the Octave of St Lawrence. Commemoration of the Eve of the
Assumption, and of St Eusebius, Confessor.
1 5. ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Double of the First Class.
* The Lord s Day within the Octave of the Assumption, St Joachim, Con
fessor, Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double of the Second Class.
Commemoration of the Sunday.
1 6. Hyacinth, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the two Octaves.
17. Octave of St Lawrence. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of the
Assumption.
1 8. Helen, Empress of the Romans, Widow. Double. Commemoration of the
Octave of the Assumption, and of St Agapitus, Martyr.
19. Within the Octave of the Assumption.
20. Bernard, Abbat [of Clairvaux,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double. Commemoration of the Octave of the Assumption.
21. Jeanne Frances Fremiot de Chantal, Widow. Double. Commemoration of
the Octave of the Assumption.
22. Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double. Com
memoration of SS. Timothy, Hippolytus, and Symphorian, Martyrs.
xxviii KALENDAR.
* The Lord s Day after the Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. [Office of the Most Pure Heart of the Blessed Virgin. Greater
Double. Vol. in., Gen. App., p. 1028 ; vol. iv., Gen. App., p. 916.]
23. Philip Benizzi, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the Eve of St
Bartholomew.
24. Bartholomew, Apostle. Double of the Second Class.
25. Louis IX., King of France, Confessor. Semi-double.
26. Zephyrinus, Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
27. Joseph Casalanz, Confessor. Double.
28. Austin, Bishop [of Hippo,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double.
Commemoration of St Hermes, Martyr.
29. Beheading of St John the Baptist. Greater Double. Commemoration of St
Sabina, Martyr.
30. Rose of Lima, Virgin. Double. Commemoration of SS. Felix and him
that joined him, Martyrs.
31. Aidan, Bishop [of Lindisfarne,] Confessor. Double.
SEPTEMBER.
1. Raymond the Unborn, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Giles,
Abbat, and of the Twelve Holy Brethren, Martyrs.
2. Stephen, King of Hungary, Confessor. Semi-double.
4. [Translation of St Cuthbert, Bishop [of Lindisfarne] and Confessor. Greater
Double in the diocese of Hex ham. Gen. App.]
5. Lawrence de Giustiniani, Patriarch of Venice, Confessor. Semi-double.
6.
8. Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double of the Second Class. Commem
oration of St Adrian, Martyr.
* The Lord s Day within the Octave, The Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. Greater Double. Commemoration of the Sunday.
9. Within the Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin. Commemoration of
St Gorgonius, Martyr.
10. Nicolas of Tolentino. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of the Birth
of the Blessed Virgin.
11. Within the Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin. Commemoration of
SS. Protus and Hyacinth, Martyrs.
12. Within the Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin.
13. Within the Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin.
14. Uplifting of the Holy Cross. Greater Double. Commemoration of the
Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin.
i 5. Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin. Double. Commemoration of St
Nicomede, Martyr.
* Third Lord s Day in this Month, The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. Greater Double. Commemoration of the Sunday.
KALENDAR. xxix
1 6. Cornelius, Pope of Rome, and Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, Martyrs.
Semi-double. Commemoration of SS. Euphemia, Lucy, and Geminian,
Martyrs.
17. Marking of the Body of St Francis with the marks of Our Lord. Double.
1 8. Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor. Double.
19. Januarius, Bishop [of Benevento,] and his Companions, Martyrs. Double.
20. Eustace, Agapitus, Theopistus, and Theopista, Martyrs. Double. Com
memoration of the Eve of St Matthew.
21. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. Double of the Second Class.
22. Thomas of Villanueva, Archbishop [of Valencia,] Confessor. Double.
Commemoration of St Maurice and his Companions, Martyrs.
23. Linus, Pope of Rome, and Martyr. Semi-double. Commemoration of St
Thecla, Virgin and Martyr.
24. The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled " of Ransom." Greater Double.
25. Ninian, Bishop [of Galloway,] Confessor. Double.
26. Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor. Double. Commemoration
of SS. Cyprian and Justina, Martyrs.
27. Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs. Semi-double.
28. Wenceslaus, Duke [of Bohemia,] Martyr. Semi-double.
29. Dedication of the Church of St Michael, the Archangel. Double of the Second
Class.
[In the dioceses of Menevia and Newport, ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS.
Double of the First Class. Gen. App.]
30. Jerome, Priest, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double. Com
memoration of St Honorius, Archbishop of Canterbury.
OCTOBER.
* First Lord s Day in the Month, The Holy Rosary of the Blessed J 7 irgin
Mary. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration of the Sunday.
1 . Remy, Bishop of Rheims, Confessor. Simple or Semi-double at will.
2. The Guardian Angels. Greater Double.
3. Thomas, Bishop of Hereford, Confessor. Double.
4. Francis, Confessor. Greater Double.
5. Placidus and his Companions, Martyrs.
6. Bruno, Confessor. Double.
7. Mark, Pope of Rome, Confessor. Commemoration of SS. Sergius and his
Companions, Martyrs.
*. Second Lord s Day in the Month. Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Greater Double. Commemoration of the Sunday.
8. Bridget, Princess of Nericia, Widow. Double.
9. Denys, Bishop of Paris, Rusticus, and Eleutherius, Martyrs. Semi-double.
10. Paulinus, Archbishop of York, Confessor. Double.
11. Francis Borgia, Confessor. Semi-double.
12. Wilfred, Archbishop [of York,] Confessor. Double.
13. Ednvard, King of England, Confessor. Double of the Second Class.
XXX KALENDAR.
14. Kallistus, Pope of Rome, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave
of St Edward.
* Third Lord s Day in the Month, Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Greater Double. Commemoration of the Sunday.
1 5. Theresa, Virgin. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St Edward.
16. Within the Octave of St Edward.
17. ladwiga, Widow. Semi-double. Commemoration of the Octave of St
Edward.
1 8. Luke, Evangelist. Double of the Second Class.
19. Peter of Alcantara, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the Octave
of St Edward.
[In the diocese of Shrewsbury, Double of the First Class. Gen. App.]
20. Octave of St Edward. Double.
21. Ursula and her Companions, Virgins and Martyrs. Greater Double. Com
memoration of St Hilarion, Abbat.
* Fourth Lord s Day in the Month, Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Greater Double. Commemoration of the Sunday.
22. John of Kenty, Confessor. Double.
23. Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer. Greater Double.
24. The Archangel Raphael. Greater Double.
25. John of Beverley, Archbishop [of York,] Confessor. Double. Commem
oration of SS. Chrysanthus and Daria, Martyrs.
26. Evaristus, Pope of Rome, Martyr.
27. Eve of SS. Simon and Jude.
28. Simon and Jude, Apostles. Double of the Second Class.
29.
3-
1. Eve of All Saints.
NOVEMBER.
1. FEAST OF ALL THE SAINTS. Double of the First Class.
2. Within the Octave of All Saints. Commemoration of all the Faithful
Departed.
3. Winefrid, Virgin and Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of
All Saints.
4. Charles, [Cardinal] Archbishop [of Milan,] Confessor. Double. Com
memoration of the Octave of All Saints, and of Saints Vitalis and
Agricola, Martyrs.
5. Within the Octave of All Saints.
6. Within the Octave of All Saints.
7. Within the Octave of All Saints.
8. Octave of All Saints. Double. Commemoration of the Four Crowned
Martyrs.
9. Dedication of the Cathedral Church of Our Most Holy Saviour. Greater
Double. Commemoration of St Theodore, Martyr.
KALENDAR. xxxi
10. Andrew Avellino, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of SS. Tryphon,
Respicius, and the Virgin Nympha, Martyrs, and of St Justus, Bishop of
Rochester, Confessor.
11. Martin, Bishop [of Tours,] Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St
Mennas, Martyr.
12. Martin, Pope of Rome, Martyr. Semi-double.
13. Diego, Confessor. Semi-double.
14. Erconwald, Bishop of London, Confessor. Double.
[Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland, Martyr. Greater Double. Gen.
^ App.]
15. Gertrude, Virgin. Double.
1 6. Edmund Rich, Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor. Double.
[In the diocese of Portsmouth, EDMUND OF CANTERBURY. Double of the
First Class. Gen. App.]
17. Hew, Bishop of Lincoln, Confessor. Double.
I 8. Dedication of the Churches of SS. Peter and Paul. Greater Double.
19. Elizabeth, Widow. Double. Commemoration of St Pontian, Pope of
Rome, and Martyr.
20. Edmund, King of the East Angles, Martyr. Greater Double.
21. Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Greater Double.
22. Cecily, Virgin and Martyr. Double.
23. Clement, Pope of Rome, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of St Felicity,
Martyr.
24. John of the Cross, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Chrysogonus,
Martyr.
25. Katharine, Virgin and Martyr. Double.
26. Sylvester, Abbat, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Peter, Pope
of Alexandria, Martyr.
27. Gregory, the Wonder-worker, Bishop [of Neo-Caesarea in Pontus,] Con
fessor. Double.
28. Jehoshaphat, Archbishop of Polotsk, Martyr. Double.
29. Willibrord, Archbishop of Utrecht, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of
the Eve of St Andrew, if out of Advent, and of St Saturninus, Martyr.
[Cuthbert Maine, Martyr. Double. Gen. App.]
30. Andrew, Apostle. Double of the Second Class.
DECEMBER.
1. Felix de Valois, Confessor. Double.
[Edmund Campion and his Companions, Martyrs. Double. Gen. App.]
2. Bibiana, Virgin and Martyr. Semi-double.
3. Francis Xavier, Confessor. Double. 1
4. Peter Chrysologus, Archbishop [of Ravenna,] Confessor, and Doctor of the
Church. Double. Commemoration of St Barbara, Virgin and Martyr.
1 Since raised to the rank of a Greater Double.
xxxii KALENDAR.
5. Brian, Bishop [of Dorchester,] Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St
Saba, Abbat.
6. Nicolas, Archbishop [of Myra,] Confessor. Double.
[In diocese of Liverpool, Double of the First Class. Gen. App.]
7. Ambrose, Bishop [of Milan,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double.
8. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Double of the
First Class.
9. Within the Octave of the Conception.
10. Within the Octave of the Conception. Commemoration of St Melchiades,
Pope of Rome, Martyr.
[Translation of the Holy House of Loreto. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
1 1 . Damasus, Pope of Rome, Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of the
Octave of the Conception.
12. Within the Octave of the Conception.
13. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of the
Conception.
14. Within the Octave of the Conception.
15. Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. Double.
1 6. Eusebius, Bishop [of Vercelli,] Martyr. Semi-double.
17.
[8. The Blessed Virgin Mary looking shortly to be delivered. Greater Double.
19.
20. Eve of St Thomas.
2 1 . Thomas, Apostle. Double of the Second Class.
22.
2 3-
24. Christmas Eve.
25. BIRTHDAY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Double of the First Class.
26. Stephen, the First Martyr. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration
of the Octave of Christmas.
27. John, Apostle and Evangelist. Double of the Second Class. Commemora
tion of the Octaves of Christmas and of St Stephen.
28. The Holy Innocents. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration of the
Octaves of Christmas, of St Stephen, and of St John.
29. THOMAS, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, MARTYR. Double of the First
Class. 1 Commemoration of the Octaves of Christmas, [of St Stephen,
of St John, and of the Innocents.]
30. Office of the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas, or of the Octave.
Commemorations of the Octaves of [Christmas,] of St Thomas of
Canterbury, of St Stephen, of St John, and of the Innocents.
31. Silvester, Pope of Rome, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the
Octaves of Christmas, of St Thomas of Canterbury, of St Stephen,
of St John, and of the Innocents.
1 See the note to the Office in the Breviary.
PRAYERS. ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS. XXxiii
PRAYERS. ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS.
A PRAYER BEFORE A SERVICE.
O Lord, open Thou my mouth that I may bless Thy Holy Name. Cleanse
my heart from all vain, evil, and wandering thoughts ; enlighten my under
standing ; kindle my affections, that I may pray to, and praise Thee with
attention and devotion ; and may worthily be heard before the presence of
Thy Divine Majesty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, in union with that Divine Intention wherewith Thou didst Thyself
praise God, while as Thou wast on earth, I offer these Hours unto Thee.
A PRAYER AFTER A SERVICE.
In respect of which Pope Leo X. has granted to all persons e who after saying
the Divine Office shall devoutly recite it on their knees ^ condonation of the shortcomings
and faults committed by them from human frailty in saying the Office.
To the Most Holy and undivided Trinity, to the Manhood of our Lord
JESUS Christ Crucified, to the fruitful Virginity of the most blessed and most
glorious Mary, always a Virgin, and to the holiness of all the Saints be ascribed
everlasting praise, honour, and glory, by all creatures, and to us be granted the
forgiveness of all our sins, world without end. Amen.
Verse. Blessed be the womb of the Virgin Mary which bore the Son of
the Eternal Father.
Answer. And blessed be the paps which gave suck to Christ our Lord.
Then are said the Lord s Prayer and the Angelic Salutation.
SUMMARY OF THE ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS PRONOUNCED AT MATTINS.
In the First Nocturn, and on Monday and Thursday.
Absolution.
Graciously hear, O Lord JESUS Christ, the prayers of Thy servants, and
have mercy upon us: Who livest and reignest with the Father, and the Holy
Ghost, world without end. Amen.
First Blessing.
May the Eternal Father bless us
With an eternal blessing. Amen.
Second Blessing.
May the Son, the Sole-begotten,
Mercifully bless and keep us. Amen.
xxxiv PRAYERS. ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS.
Third Blessing.
May the grace of God the Spirit
All our heart and mind enlighten. Amen.
In the Second Nocturn, and on Tuesday and Friday.
Absolution.
May His loving-kindness and mercy help us, Who liveth and reigneth with
the Father, and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Fourth Blessing.
God the Father Omnipotent,
Be to us merciful and clement. Amen.
Fifth Blessing.
May Christ to all His people give,
For ever in His sight to live. Amen.
Sixth Blessing.
May the Spirit s fire Divine
In our hearts enkindled shine. Amen.
In the Third Nocturn, and on Wednesday and Saturday.
Absolution.
May the Almighty and merciful Lord loose us from the bonds of our
sins. Amen.
Seventh Blessing.
May the Gospel s holy lection
Be our safety and protection. Amen.
Eighth Blessing.
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay. Amen.
For Feasts of Saints.
He (or she or they) whose feast-day we are keeping,
Be our Advocate (or Advocates) with God.
For Feasts of the Blessed Virgin.
She whose feast-day we are keeping
Mary, blessed Maid of Maidens,
Be our Advocate with God.
PRAYERS. ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS. XXXV
Ninth Blessing.
May He that is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring. Amen.
Or, if another Gospel and Homily are to be begun,
May the Gospel s glorious word
Cleansing to our souls afford.
On days of Three Lessons the Absolution and Blessings are as above, according
to the Week-day, with the following exceptions : First Blessing on Wednesday or
Saturday, (not the Simple Office of the Blessed Virgin,) if the First Lesson be
not Gospel with Homily,
May His blessing be upon us
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Whenever the First Lesson is Gospel with Homily, the Blessings are from the
Third Nocturn.
If the Office be of a Saint or Saints, the Blessings are :
First Blessing.
May His blessing be upon us
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Second Blessing.
He (or she or they) whose feast-day we are keeping,
Be our Advocate (or Advocates) with God.
Third Blessing.
May He that is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring. Amen.
The Absolution and Blessings in the Simple Office of the Blessed Virgin for
Saturdays are peculiar to that Office, and are given in their own place.
OR,
BOOK OF PSALMS,
DIVIDED ACCORDING TO THE DAYS OF THE WEEK, TOGETHER WITH
THE ORDINARY OFFICE FOR THE DIFFERENT SEASONS.
MATTINS, 1 OR MORNING PRAYER.
FOR THE LORD S DAY, SUNDAY.
Before Mattins, and every other
Hour, except Lauds and Compline,
there is said inaudibly*
Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
, ,. l &gt;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
TTAIL, Mary, full of grace;
II The Lord is with th
, , ,
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy
womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
At the beginning of Mattins and
Pri " 1 ^ and .. at . thc d / 7 CQ t l e \
is then said inaudibly the Apostles
Creed.
1 The proper hour for Mattins is midnight, at which time it is said in many Convents.
In others it is said at 2 or 5 A.M. In the Cathedral of Rome (St. John Lateran s) and
other Churches of the same country, the hour is about 7 A.M. It is allowable to say it at
any hour after the sun has begun to decline, and an ordinary practice is to do so late in the
afternoon.
- The reason why the Lord s Prayer and the Apostles Creed are recited inaudibly during
the Office seems to be, that in the early Church these formula were concealed from the
unbaptized until very shortly before their baptism. Now, all were allowed to be present;
at the Office, of which these formulas are a part, and therefore they were then so said that
the unbaptized could not hear them. The " Hail, Mary," having been added as a sort of
appendix to the Lord s Prayer, follows the same rule with it. The Lord s Prayer is said
aloud during the Canon of the Mass, because only the faithful were then present.
VOL. III. A
THE PSALTER.
I BELIEVE in God the Father
Almighty, Maker of heaven
and earth. And in JESUS Christ,
His only Son, our Lord : Who
was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
dead, and buried : He descended
into hell : the third day He rose
again from the dead : He ascended
into heaven, and sitteth on the right
hand of God the Father Almighty :
from thence He shall come to judge
the quick and the dead. I be
lieve in the Holy Ghost, the Holy
Catholic Church, the Communion
of Saints, the Forgiveness of sins,
the Resurrection of the body, and
the Life everlasting. Amen.
Then is said aloud :
Versed ^ O LORD, open Thou
my lips.
Answer. And my mouth shall
show forth Thy praise.
Verse? ^ Make haste, O God,
to deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
3 As it was in the beginning, is
now, and ever shall be, world with
out end. Amen, Alleluia. 4
From Sepluagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of Alleluia
is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
Then is said Psalm xciv. with the
Invitatory. The Invitatory here given
is said from the Octave of the Epiph
any to Septuagesima Sunday, and
from the Octave of Pentecost to Ad
vent Sunday.
Invitatory. Let us worship the
Lord, for * He is our Maker.
Repetition. Let us worship the
Lord, for * He is our Maker.
Psalm XCIV. 5
[Vulgate and LXX., "A song of praise
by David."]
OCOME, let us sing unto the
LORD, let us make a joyful
noise to the God of our Salva
tion : let us come before His
presence with thanksgiving, and
make a joyful noise unto Him
with psalms.
Let us worship the Lord, for He
is our Maker.
For the LORD is a great God, and
a great King above all gods : for the
Lord will not cast off His people :
for in His hand are all the ends of
the earth ; and the heights of the
hills are His also.
He is our Maker.
For the sea is His, and He made
it : and His hands formed the dry
land : 6 O come, let us worship
and fall down ; let us cry unto the
1 Ps. 1. 17. 2 Ps. Ixix. 2.
3 The Greek original of this Doxology does not contain the words, " As it was in the
beginning" (inserted against the Arians), but runs thus : " Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, both now, and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen."
4 Or rather, " Hal lu-YAH," " Praise-ye-the- Eternal," a Hebrew phrase which occurs
repeatedly in the Bible. The sound of these words causes the Church such joy that she
denies herself their use during her penitential season. But in order not to remit the praise of
God, she substitutes for the Hebrew phrase a short rhyming Latin one, of similar meaning.
5 This Psalm is not given in the original from the Vulgate, but from some other Latin
translation. 6 Here it is usual to kneel till the *.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
LORD our Maker. * For He is
the Lord our God ; and we are
His people, and the sheep of His
pasture.
Let us worship the Lord, for He
is our Maker.
To-day if ye will hear His voice,
harden not your heart; as in "the
Provocation," and as in the day of
" Temptation " in the wilderness :
when your fathers tempted Me,
proved Me, and saw My works. 1
He is our Maker.
Forty years long was I grieved
with that generation 2 and said, It is
a people that do alway err in their
heart, and they have not known My
ways : unto whom I sware in My
wrath that they should not enter
into My rest.
Let us worship the Lord, for He
is our Maker.
Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without
end. Amen.
He is our Maker.
Let us worship the Lord, for He
is our Maker.
The following Hymn is the?i said,
from the Octave of the Epiphany to the
First Sunday in Lent, and from the first
Sunday of October to Advent.
HYMN. 3
the Blessed Three in One
Began the earth and skies ;
To-day a Conqueror, God the Son,
Did from the grave arise ;
We too will wake, and, in despite
Of sloth and languor, all unite,
As Psalmists bid, through the dim night
Waiting with wistful eyes.
So may He hear, and heed each vow,
And prayer to Him addrest ;
And grant an instant cleansing now,
A future glorious rest.
So may He plentifully shower,
On all who hymn His love and power,
In this most still and sacred hour,
His sweetest gifts and best.
Father of purity and light !
Thy presence if we win,
Twill shield us from the deeds of night,
The burning darts of sin ;
Lest aught defiled or dissolute
Relax our bodies or imbrute,
And fires eternal be the fruit
Of fire now lit within.
Fix in our hearts, Redeemer dear,
The ever-gushing spring
Of grace to cleanse, of life to cheer
Souls sick and sorrowing.
Thee, bounteous Father, we entreat,
And only Son, awful and sweet,
And life-creating Paraclete,
The Everlasting King.
Amen.
Instead of the foregoing the follow
ing Hymn is said from the Octave of
Pentecost to the first Sunday of Oc
tober.
1 The occasion here referred to is that described in Exodus xvii. 1-7. The children of
Israel while travelling through the desert became rebellious from want of water. It was
given them from the smitten rock. Then is added : " And he [Moses] called the name of
the place Temptation" (Hebrew and LXX. add "and Provocation"), "because of the
chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying : Is the LORD
among us, or not ? "
2 Namely, that particular generation which had come out of Egypt. The next clauses
relate to that which is written in Numbers xiv. 22 : " Because all these men which have
seen My glory, and My miracles, which I did in Egypt, and in the wilderness, have tempted
Me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to My voice, surely they shall not see the
land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked Me see it."
And this is confirmed with an oath, in verse 28 : " As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye
have spoken in Mine ears, so will I do to you : your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness. "
3 Ascribed to Pope St. Gregory the Great, but altered, one verse omitted, and the last
verse added. Translation by the late Card. Newman.
THE PSALTER.
HYMN. 1
T ET us arise and watch by night,
And meditate always ;
And chant as in our Maker s sight
United hymns of praise.
So singing with the saints in bliss,
With them we may attain
Life everlasting after this,
And heaven for earthly pain.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
When the Invitatories, Hymns, 6r*c. t
are different from the above they are
given in the Office to which they be
long.
FIRST NOCTURN, OR WATCH OF
THE NIGHT.
Antiphon for Advent. Behold,
there cometh the King.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
Serve the LORD.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia.
Psalm I.
BLESSED is the man that walk-
eth not in the counsel of the
ungodly, nor standeth in the way of
sinners, * nor sitteth in the seat of
the scoffers :
But his delight is in the Law of
the LORD ; * and in His Law doth
he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree
planted by the rivers of water, *
that bringeth forth his fruit in his
season :
His leaf also shall not wither :
* and whatsoever he doeth shall
prosper.
Not so are the ungodly, not so :
* but are like the chaff which the
wind driveth away from the face of
the earth.
Therefore the ungodly shall not
stand in the judgment : * nor sin
ners in the congregation of the
righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way
of the righteous : * but the way of
the ungodly shall perish.
Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is
now, and ever shall be, * world
without end. Amen.
This Doxology is said at the end of
every Psalm unless special directions
are given to the contrary.
Psalm II.
[In Acts iv. 25, 26, the authorship of this
Psalm is attributed to David.]
WHY do the heathen rage, *
and the peoples devise a
vain thing?
The kings of the earth set them
selves, and the rulers take counsel
together * against the LORD, and
against His Anointed.
Let us break their bands asun
der : * and cast away their yoke
from us.
He That sitteth in the heavens
shall laugh them to scorn : * and
the Lord shall have them in de
rision.
Then shall He speak unto them
in His wrath : * and plague them in
His sore displeasure.
Yet hath He set me for King
upon His holy hill of Zion * to de
clare His decree.
1 Also ascribed to Pope St. Gregory the Great, although somewhat altered. Translation
by the late Card. Newman.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
5
The LORD hath said unto me :
* Thou art My Son, this day have
I begotten thee.
Ask of Me, and I shall give
thee the heathen for thine inheri
tance, * and the uttermost parts
of the earth for thy possession.
Thou shalt rule them with a rod
of iron, * and shalt dash them in
pieces like a potter s vessel.
Be wise now, therefore, O ye
kings ; * be instructed, ye judges
of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear : * and
rejoice with trembling before Him.
Lay hold of instruction, lest the
Lord be angry, * and ye perish from
the righteous way.
When His wrath is kindled sud
denly, * blessed are all they that
put their trust in Him.
Psalm III.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David, when he
fled from Absalom his son." See the his
tory in 2 Kings (Sam.) xv., xvi., xviii.]
ORD, how are they increased
*-* that trouble me ? * many are
they that rise up against me.
Many there be that say of my
soul : * There is no help for him
in his God. 1
But Thou, O LORD, art a shield
for me, * my glory, and the Lifter
up of mine head.
I cried unto the LORD with my
voice : * and He heard me out of
His holy hill. 2
I laid me down and slept ; * I
awaked, for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of thousands
of people that have set themselves
against me round about : * arise, O
LORD, save me, O my God.
For Thou hast smitten all them
that fought against me without a
cause 3 : * Thou hast broken the
teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongeth unto the
LORD : * and Thy blessing is upon
Thy people. 2
Psalm VI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." The
title also contains directions, probably musi
cal, the meaning of which is now uncertain.]
LORD, rebuke me not in
Thine anger : * neither
chasten me in Thine hot dis
pleasure.
Have mercy upon me, O LORD,
for I am weak : * O LORD, heal me,
for my bones are shaken.
My soul also is sore vexed : * but
Thou, O LORD, how long ?
Return, O LORD, deliver my soul :
* O save me for Thy mercy s sake.
For in death there is no one that
remembereth Thee : * and in the
grave who shall give Thee thanks ?
I am weary with my groaning,
every night I wash my bed : * I
water my couch with my tears.
Mine eye is grown dim because
of grief : * I am waxen old because
of all mine enemies.
Depart from me, all ye workers
of iniquity : * for the LORD hath
heard the voice of my weeping.
The LORD hath heard my suppli
cation : * the LORD hath received
my prayer.
1 Here occur in the Hebrew the letters SLH, or "Selah." The meaning of this is un
certain. Gesenius thinks "it seems to have been used to mark a short pause in singing
the words of the Psalm, so that the singer would be silent, while the instrumental music
continued. " 2 SLH, again.
3 But the Hebrew reads, not, "without a cause," but, "on the jaw-bone."
THE PSALTER.
Let all mine enemies be ashamed
and sore vexed : * let them return
and be ashamed suddenly.
Antiphon for Advent. Behold,
there cometh the King, even the
Most High, with great power, to
save the nations. Alleluia.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
1 Serve the LORD with fear, and re
joice with trembling before Him.
In Paschal ti7ne there is only one
Antiphon to the whole Noctnrn.
Second Antiphon for Advent.
Strengthen ye.
Second Antiphon for the rest of the
year. God is a righteous judge.
Psalm VII.
[Intituled "An Hymn of David, which
he sang unto the LORD concerning the words
of Gush the Benjamite." This Cush is sup
posed to be the same as Shimei, whose curs
ing of David is narrated in 2 Kings (Sam.)
xvi. 7, 8, or else a nickname for Saul.]
LORD my God, in Thee do
I take refuge : * save me
from all them that persecute me,
and deliver me.
Lest he tear my soul like a lion, *
while there is none to deliver, or to
save.
O LORD my God, if I have done
this, * if there be iniquity in mine
hands ;
If I have requited with evil them
that requited me [with good], * may
I then flee empty before mine
enemies.
Let the enemy persecute my soul,
and take it, yea, let him tread down
my life upon the earth, * and lay
mine honour in the dust. 2
1 Ps. ii. ii.
Arise, O LORD, in Thine anger :
* and lift up Thyself against the
borders of mine enemies.
And awake for me, O Lord my
God, according to the decree that
Thou hast made : * so shall the
congregation of the people com
pass Thee about.
For their sakes, therefore, return
Thou on high : * the LORD judgeth
the peoples.
Judge me, O LORD, according to
my righteousness, * and according
to mine integrity that is in me.
let the wickedness of the
wicked come to an end, and es
tablish the just; * God trieth the
hearts and reins.
Mine help is righteous, coming
from the Lord, * Who saveth the
upright in heart.
God is a righteous judge, strong
and patient : * is He not provoked
every day ?
If ye turn not, He will whet His
sword : * He hath bent His bow and
made it ready.
And hath fitted thereon the in
struments of death, * He hath
ordained His arrows against the
persecutors.
Behold, he travaileth with iniquity :
* he hath conceived mischief, and
brought forth falsehood.
He made a pit and digged it : *
and is fallen into the ditch which he
made.
His mischief shall return upon
his own head : * and his iniquity
shall come down upon his own
pate.
1 will praise the LORD according
to His righteousness : * and will
sing praise to the name of the
LORD Most High.
2 SLH.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm VIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." It has
also a title which seems to show that it was
a song for the vintage.]
OLORD, our Lord, * how ex
cellent is Thy Name in all
the earth!
For Thy glory is exalted * above
the heavens.
1 Out of the mouth of babes and
sucklings hast Thou perfected praise
because of Thine enemies, * that
Thou mightest destroy the enemy
and the avenger.
When I consider Thine heavens,
the work of Thy fingers : * the moon
and the stars which Thou hast or
dained :
What is man, that Thou art mind
ful of him ? * or the son of man,
that Thou visitest him ?
Thou hast made him a little lower
than the angels, Thou hast crowned
him with glory and honour, * and
madest him to have dominion over
the works of Thine hands.
Thou hast put all things under
his feet, * all sheep and oxen, yea,
and the beasts of the field.
The fowl of the air, and the fish
of the sea, * that pass through the
paths of the sea.
LORD, our Lord, * how excel
lent is Thy Name in all the earth !
Psalm IX.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." It has
also a superscription the meaning of which
is not now certain. The Targum connects
it with the slaying of Goliath.]
T WILL praise Thee, O LORD,
with mine whole heart : * I will
show forth all Thy marvellous works.
1 will be glad and rejoice in
Thee : * I will sing praise to Thy
Name, O Thou Most High.
When mine enemies are turned
back, * they shall fall and perish at
Thy presence.
For Thou hast maintained my
right and my cause : * Thou satest
in the throne judging right.
Thou hast rebuked the heathen,
and the wicked are perished : *
Thou hast put out their name for
ever, even for ever and ever.
The swords of the enemy have
failed utterly : * and their cities
Thou hast destroyed.
Their memorial is perished with
a crash : * and the LORD endureth
for ever.
He hath prepared His throne for
judgment : * and He shall judge
the world in righteousness, He shall
minister judgment to the people in
uprightness.
The LORD also is a refuge for the
poor : * a refuge in times of trouble.
And let them that know Thy
name put their trust in Thee : * for
Thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them
that seek Thee.
Sing praises to the LORD, Who
dwelleth in Zion : * declare among
the people His doings.
For when He maketh inquisition
for blood He remembereth them : *
He forgetteth not the cry of the
afflicted.
Have mercy upon me, O LORD :
* consider my trouble [which I
suffer] of them thaj. hate me.
Thou That liftesOne up from the
gates of death : * that I may show
forth all Thy praises in the gates of
the daughter of Zion !
I will rejoice in Thy salvation : *
1 This verse was quoted by our Lord, concerning those who cried Hosannah on Palm
Sunday, Matthew xxi. 16.
THE PSALTER.
the heathen are sunk down in the
pit that they made.
In the net which they hid,
is
their own foot taken.
The LORD is known when He
executeth judgment : * the wicked
is snared in the work of his own
hands. 1
The wicked shall be turned into
hell : * all the nations that forget
God.
For the needy shall not alway be
forgotten : * the expectation of the
poor shall not perish for ever.
Arise, O LORD, let not man pre
vail : * let the heathen be judged in
Thy sight.
Put Thou a master over them, O
LORD : * let the nations know them
selves to be but men. 2
Why standest Thou afar off, O
LORD, * why hidest Thou Thyself
in times of trouble ?
The wicked in his pride doth per
secute the poor : * they are taken
in the devices that they have im
agined.
For the wicked is praised accord
ing to his soul s desire : * and the
unrighteous is deemed blessed.
The wicked provoketh the LORD :
* in the greatness of his scornful
indignation he doth not care.
God is not before his eyes : * his
ways are always grievous.
Thy judgments are far out of his
sight : * he hath dominion over his
enemies.
He hath said in his heart : * I
shall not be moved unto generation
and generation, yea, I shall never
be in adversity.
His mouth is full of cursing, and
bitterness, and fraud : * under his
tongue is mischief and sorrow.
He sitteth in the lurking-places
with the rich : in the secret places
* doth he murder the innocent.
His eyes are privily set against
the poor : * he lieth in wait secretly,
as a lion in his den.
He lieth in wait to catch the
poor : * to catch the poor when
he draweth him [after him].
In his snare doth he bring him
down : * yet shall he himself totter
and fall down, when he hath mas
tered the poor.
He hath said in his heart : God
hath forgotten : * He turneth away
His face so that He shall never see it.
Arise, O LORD, O God, lift up
Thine hand : * forget not the
afflicted.
Wherefore doth the wicked pro
voke God? * for he hath said in
his heart : He will not require it.
Thou seest it, for Thou beholdest
labour and sorrow : * to deliver
them into Thine own hand.
The poor leaveth himself unto
Thee : * Thou wilt be the helper
of the fatherless.
Break Thou the arm of the
wicked and the evil man : * his
wickedness shall be sought after and
shall not be found.
The LORD shall be King for ever
and ever : * the heathen shall perish
out of His land.
The LORD hath heard the petition
of the poor : * Thine ear hath heard
the desire of his heart.
To judge the fatherless and the
oppressed, * that man may magnify
himself no more upon earth.
1 Here occurs : " Instrumental music SLH." This is a strong argument in favour of
Gesenius opinion, see p. 5, note I.
3 SLH. Here, according to the present Hebrew text, ends Ps. ix.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm X.
[Intituled " Of David." There is also a
superscription perhaps musical, but now of
uncertain meaning.]
TN the LORD put I my trust;
-* how say ye to my soul, *
Flee as a bird to the mountain ?
For lo, the wicked bend their
bow, they make ready their arrows
in the quiver, * that they may
privily shoot at the upright in
heart.
For they have destroyed that
which Thou hast established : *
and what hath the righteous done ?
The LORD is in His holy temple :
* the LORD S throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold the poor : * His
eyelids try the children of men.
The LORD trieth the righteous
and the wicked : * but he that
loveth iniquity hateth his own soul.
Upon the wicked He shall rain
snares : * fire, and brimstone, and
an horrible tempest, this shall be
the portion of their cup.
For the righteous LORD loveth
righteousness : * His countenance
doth behold uprightness.
Antiphon for Advent. 1 Strengthen
ye the weak hands : be strong ; say :
Behold, our God will come, and
save us, Alleluia.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
2 God is a righteous judge, strong,
and patient : is He not provoked
every day?
Third Antiphon for Advent. Re
joice, all ye.
Third Antiphon for the rest of the
year. Thou shalt keep us.
Psalm XI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with some
other words, of meaning now uncertain, as
before.]
1 Isa. xxxv. 3, 4.
VOL. III.
TTELP, LORD, for the godly
-*- J- man ceaseth : * for the truth
faileth from among the children of
men.
They speak vanity every one with
his neighbour : * with flattering lips,
with a double heart, do they speak.
The LORD shall cut off all flat
tering lips, * and the tongue that
speaketh proud things.
Who have said : With our tongue
will we prevail, our lips are our
own : * who is lord over us ?
For the oppression of the poor,
and the sighing of the needy, * now
will I arise, saith the LORD.
I will set him in safety : * I will
deal faithfully with him.
The words of the LORD are pure
words : * silver tried in a furnace,
purged of dross, purified seven times.
Thou shalt keep us, O LORD, and
preserve us * from this generation
for ever.
The wicked walk on every side :
* the increase of men is according
to Thy secret counsel.
Psalm XII.
[This Psalm has the same title as the
last.]
TTOW long wilt Thou forget
** me, O LORD? for ever? *
How long hidest Thou Thy face
from me?
How long shall I take counsel
in my soul, * having sorrow in mine
heart daily?
How long shall mine enemy be
exalted over me ? * Consider, and
hear me, O LORD my God.
Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the
sleep of death : * lest mine enemy
say : I have prevailed against him.
2 Ps. vii. 12.
A 2
10
THE PSALTER.
Those that trouble me will re
joice if I am moved : * but I have
trusted in Thy mercy.
Mine heart shall rejoice in Thy
salvation ; I will sing unto the LORD
because He hath dealt bountifully
with me : * and I will sing praise
to the name of the Lord Most
High.
Psalm XIII.
[Same title as Psalm x.]
THE fool hath said in his heart :
* There is no God.
They are corrupt, and have be
come abominable in their works :
* there is none that doeth good,
no, not one.
The LORD looked down from
heaven upon the children of men :
* to see if there were any that did
understand, or seek God.
They are all gone aside, they are
altogether become unprofitable : i
there is none that doeth good, no,
not one.
1 Their throat is an open sepul
chre : with their tongues they have
used deceit : * the poison of asps is
under their lips.
Their mouth is full of cursing and
bitterness : * their feet are swift to
shed blood.
Destruction and misery are in
their ways, and the way of peace
they have not known : * there is no
fear of God before their eyes.
Have all the workers of iniquity
no knowledge, * who eat up my
people as they would eat bread ?
They call not upon the LORD : *
there were they in great fear, where
no fear was ;
For the Lord is in the generation
of the righteous : ye have shamed
the counsel of the poor : * because
the LORD is his hope.
O that the salvation of Israel were
come out of Zion ! * when the
LORD bringeth back the captivity of
His people, Jacob shall rejoice and
Israel shall be glad.
Psalm XIV.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David."]
LORD, who shall abide in Thy
tabernacle ? * who shall
dwell in Thine holy hill?
He that walketh uprightly, * and
worketh righteousness.
He that speaketh the truth in his
heart, * he that deceiveth not with
his tongue.
He that hath not done evil to his
neighbour, * nor taken up a reproach
against his neighbour.
In whose eyes a vile person is
despised : * but he honoureth them
that fear the LORD.
He that sweareth to his neighbour,
and deceiveth him not, * he that
putteth not out his money to usury,
nor taketh reward against the in
nocent.
He that doeth these things, *
shall never be moved.
Antiphon for Advent. 2 Rejoice,
all ye, and be glad : for, behold, the
Lord will come with vengeance, He
will bring a recompense : He will
come and save us.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
3 Thou shalt keep us, O LORD, and
preserve us.
1 The next three verses are not in the Hebrew, although found in the Vulgate and the
LXX., which are supported by Rom. iii. 13-18.
2 Isa. xxxv. 4. 3 Ps. xi. 8.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
II
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia. * The stone was rolled away,
Alleluia, from the door of the sepul
chre. Alleluia, alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. 2 Out of Zion, the Per
fection of beauty.
Answer. Our God shall come
manifestly.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 3 I have remembered Thy
name, O LORD, in the night.
Answer. And have kept Thy
law.
/;/ Lent.
Verse. 4 He hath delivered me
from the snare of the fowler.
Answer. And from the noisome
pestilence.
hi Passion time.
Verse. 5 O God, deliver my soul
from the sword.
Answer. And my darling from
the power of the dog.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The Lord is risen from
the grave, Alleluia.
Answer. Who hung for us upon
the tree, Alleluia.
Then is said the Lords Prayer.
Father (inaudibly\ Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
The?i this Absolution.
/^RACIOUSLY hear, O Lord
^^ Jesus Christ, the prayers of
Thy servants, and have mercy upon
us : Who livest and reignest with
the Father and the Holy Ghost,
world without end.
Ansiver. Amen.
Then the reader says :
6 Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
First Blessing.
May the Eternal Father bless us
With an everlasting blessing.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the First Lesson, and at
the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the First Responsory,
after -ivhich the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Second Blessing.
May the Son the Sole-begotten
In His mercy bless and help us.
Answer. Amen.
3 Ps. cxviii. 55.
1 Mark xvi. 3. 2 Ps. xlix. 2.
* Ps. xc. 3. 5 Ps. xxi. 20.
6 Some persons bound to say the Office, when reciting alone, are accustomed to substi
tute for this the words, " Command Thy blessing, O Lord ! "
12
THE PSALTER.
Then is read the Second Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Second Responsory,
after which the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Third Blessing,
May the grace of God the Spirit
All our heart and mind enlighten.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Third Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Third Responsory.
SECOND NOCTURN, OR WATCH OF
THE NIGHT.
Antiphon for Advent. Rejoice
greatly.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
Thou hast no need.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia.
Psalm XV.
[Intituled a work "of David," but the
specifically descriptive word is not now of
certain meaning.]
PRESERVE me, O Lord, for in
Thee do I put my trust : *
I have said unto the LORD : Thou
art my God, for Thou hast no need
of my goods.
To the Saints that are in His
land, * He hath made all my will
admirable.
Their sorrows are multiplied, *
that hasten after [a strange god].
1 Zech. ix. 9.
In their assemblies for blood-
shedding will I have no part : * nor
mention their names with my lips.
The LORD is the portion of mine
inheritance, and of my cup :
Thou art He That shalt restore
mine inheritance unto me.
The lines are fallen unto me in
pleasant places : * yea, I have a
goodly heritage.
I will bless the LORD, Who hath
given me counsel : * my reins also
instruct me in the night seasons.
I have set the LORD always be
fore my face : * because He is at
my right hand, I shall never be
moved.
Therefore mine heart is glad, and
my tongue rejoiceth : * my flesh
also shall rest in hope,
For Thou wilt not leave my soul
in hell : * neither wilt Thou suffer
Thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou hast shown me the path
of life, Thou shalt fill me with joy
in Thy presence : * at Thy right
hand there are pleasures for ever
more.
Antiphon for Advent. l Rejoice
greatly, O daughter of Jerusalem :
behold, thy King cometh into thee,
O Zion ; fear not, for thy salvation
cometh quickly.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
2 Thou hast no need of my goods,
in Thee do I put my trust, preserve
me, O Lord.
In Paschal time there is only one
Antiphon to the whole Nocturn.
Second Antiphon for Advent.
Christ our King.
Second Antiphon for the rest of
the year. By the words.
- Ps. xv. i, 2.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm XVI.
[Intituled "A Prayer of David."]
HEAR my right, O LORD, *
attend unto my cry.
Give ear unto my prayer, * that
goeth not out of feigned lips.
Let my sentence come forth from
Thy presence : * let Thine eyes be
hold the things that are equal.
Thou hast proved mine heart,
and visited it by night : Thou
hast tried me with fire, and found
no wickedness in me.
That my mouth may not speak
concerning the works of men : * by
the words of Thy lips I have kept
me to strait paths.
Hold up my goings in Thy paths,
* that my footsteps slip not.
I have called upon Thee, for
Thou hast heard me, O God ; * in
cline Thine ear unto me, and hear
my speech.
Show Thy marvellous loving-
kindness, * O Thou That savest
them which put their trust in Thee !
From those that rise up against
Thy right hand keep me, * as the
apple of the eye.
Hide me under the shadow of
Thy wings, * from the face of the
wicked that oppress me.
Mine enemies compass my soul
round about, they are inclosed in
their own fat : * with their mouth
they speak proudly.
They that drave me out have
now compassed me : * they have
set their eyes bowing down to the
earth.
They have lain in wait for me, as
a lion that is ready for his prey : *
and as it were a young lion lurking
in secret places.
1 John i. 36.
Arise, O LORD, disappoint him,
and cast him down : * deliver my
soul from the wicked, Thy sword
from them that hate Thine hand.
O LORD, part them in their life
from the precious things of the
earth : * their belly is filled with
Thine hidden treasure.
They have children to the full : *
and leave the rest of their substance
to their babes.
As for me, I will behold Thy face
in righteousness : * I shall be satis
fied when Thy glory shall appear.
Antiphon for Advent. Christ
our King cometh, l Whom John
preached, saying ; Behold the Lamb
That should come !
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
2 By the words of Thy lips I have
kept me to strait paths.
Third Antiphon for Advent. Be
hold, I come.
Third Antiphon for the rest of the
year. I will love Thee.
When this Antiphon is tised the
Psalm begins with the words, "O
LORD, my strength."
Psalm XVII.
[After a superscription, of meaning now
uncertain, the title of this Psalm proceeds,
" Of David, the servant of the LORD, who
spake unto the LORD the words of this song,
in the day that the LORD delivered him
from the hand of all his enemies, and from
the hand of Saul : and he said : " It is
found also, with a few slight differences, in
2 Kings (Sam.) xxii.]
I WILL love Thee, O LORD,
my strength : * the LORD is
my rock, and my fortress, and
my Deliverer.
My God, mine Helper, * in
Whom I trust.
2 Ps. xvi. 4,
THE PSALTER.
My buckler, and the horn of my
salvation, * and my refuge.
I called upon the LORD with
praises, * and am saved from mine
enemies.
The sorrows of death compassed
me : * and the floods of wicked
ness made me afraid.
The sorrows of hell compassed
me about : * the snares of death
came upon me.
In my distress I called upon the
LORD, * and cried unto my God.
And He heard my voice out of
His holy temple : * and my cry
came before Him, even into His
ears.
The earth shook and trembled :
* the foundations of the hills moved
and quaked, because He was wroth.
There went up a smoke in His
wrath, and fire burst forth before
His presence : * coals were kindled
by it.
He bowed the heavens also, and
came down : * and darkness was
under His feet.
And He rode upon the Cherubim l
and did fly : * yea, He did fly upon
the wings of the wind.
And He made darkness His secret
place, His pavilion round about
Him : * dark waters, thick clouds
of the skies.
At the brightness that was be
fore Him, the thick clouds passed,
* hailstones and coals of fire.
The LORD also thundered in the
heavens, and the Highest uttered
His voice : * hailstones and coals
of fire.
Yea, He sent out His arrows
and scattered them : * He shot
out many lightnings and discomfited
them.
And the fountains of waters were
seen, * and the foundations of the
world were discovered.
At Thy rebuke, O LORD, * at
the blast of the breath of Thy
wrath !
He sent from above, and took
me; * and drew me out of many
waters.
He delivered me from the strong
est of mine enemies, and from them
which hated me : * for they were too
strong for me.
They came upon me in the day
of my calamity, * but the LORD was
my stay.
He brought me forth also into a
large place : * He delivered me be
cause He delighted in me.
And the LORD shall reward me
according to my righteousness, *
and according to the cleanness of
mine hands shall He recompense
me.
For I have kept the ways of the
LORD, * and have not wickedly de
parted from my GOD.
For all His judgments were before
me : * and I did not put away His
statutes from me.
I shall also be upright with Him,
* and keep myself from mine in
iquity.
And the LORD shall reward me
according to my righteousness, *
and according to the cleanness of
mine hands in His eye-sight.
With the holy Thou shalt be holy,
* and with the innocent Thou shalt
be innocent.
And with the pure Thou shalt be
1 Of these creatures, frequently mentioned in connection with the Divine manifestation,
an elaborate account will be found in Ezekiel i. (First Sunday of November), and more
shortly in Apoc. iv. (Tuesday in Third Week after Easter).
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
pure, * and with the contentious
Thou shalt be contentious.
For Thou wilt save the afflicted
people, * and bring down high
looks.
For Thou lightest my lamp, O
LORD : * my God, enlighten my
darkness !
For by Thee shall I be delivered
from temptation, * and by my God
shall I leap over a wall.
As for my God, His way is per
fect ; the word of the LORD is tried
in the fire : * He is a buckler to all
those that trust in Him.
For who is God save the LORD ?
* or who is God save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with
strength, * and maketh my way
perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds
feet, * and setteth me upon mine
high places.
He teacheth my hands to war, *
and maketh mine arms like a bow
of brass.
Thou hast also given me the
shield of Thy salvation : * and Thy
right hand hath holden me up.
Thy correction also hath made
me great : * and Thy chastening it
is that shall teach me.
Thou hast enlarged my steps
under me, * and my feet have not
slipped.
I will pursue mine enemies and
overtake them : * neither will I turn
again till they be consumed.
I will wound them that they shall
not be able to rise : * they shall fall
under my feet.
Thou hast girded me also with
strength unto the .battle, * and hast
subdued under me those that rose
up against me.
And hast made mine enemies to
turn their back toward me, * and
hast destroyed them that hate me.
They cried, but there was none
to save them, even unto the LORD,
* but He answered them not.
And I will beat them small, as
the dust before the wind : * I will
cast them out as the dirt in the
streets.
Thou shalt deliver me from the
gainsayings of the people : * Thou
shalt make me the head of the
heathen.
A people whom I knew not have
served me : * as soon as they heard
of me they obeyed me.
The strangers feigned obedience
unto me : * the strangers were
wearied out, and stumbled in their
paths.
The LORD liveth, and blessed be
my God : * and let the God of my
salvation be exalted !
It is Thou, O God, That avengest
me, and subduest the people under
me. * Thou art my deliverer from
my wrathful adversaries.
And Thou shalt lift me up above
those that rise up against me :
Thou shalt deliver me from the
wicked man.
Therefore will I give thanks unto
Thee, O LORD, among the heathen,
* and sing praises unto Thy name.
Great deliverance giveth He to
His king, and showeth mercy to
His Anointed, to David, * and to
his seed for evermore.
Antiphon for Advent. l Behold,
I come quickly, saith the Lord,
and My reward is with Me, to give
every man according as his work
shall be.
Apoc. xxii. 12.
16
THE PSALTER.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
1 I will love Thee, O LORD, my
strength.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia. 2 Woman, whom seekest
thou ? Alleluia. The Living among
the dead ? Alleluia. Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. 3 Send forth the Lamb,
O Lord, the ruler of the land.
Ansiver. From the "Rock" of
the wilderness unto the mount of
the daughter of Zion.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 4 For Thou lightest my
candle, O LORD.
Ansiver. My God, enlighten my
darkness.
In Lent.
Verse. 5 He shall cover thee with
His wings.
Answer. And under His feathers
shalt thou trust.
In Passion time.
Verse. 6 O Lord, save me from
the lion s mouth.
Answer. And mine affliction from
the horns of the unicorns.
In Paschal time.
Verse. 7 The Lord is risen indeed,
Alleluia.
Answer. And hath appeared unto
Simon, Alleluia.
Then is said the Lord s Prayer.
Father (inaudibly), Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
O
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Then this Absolution.
1X/TAY His loving-kindness and
^*^ His mercy help us, Who
liveth and reigneth with the Father,
and the Holy Ghost, world without
end.
Answer. Amen.
Then the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Fourth Blessing.
God the Father the Almighty,
Show on us His grace and mercy.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Fourth Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Fourth Responsory,
after which the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Fifth Blessing.
May Christ to all His people give,
For ever in His sight to live.
Answer. Amen.
1 Ps. xvii. 2.
3 Isa. xvi. i.
4 Ps. xvii. 29.
The
2 John xx. 15.
Rock " is the town of Petra in the wilderness.
5 Ps. xc. 3. 6 Ps. xxi. 22.
7 Luke xxiv. 34.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
Then is read the Fifth Lesson, and at
the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Fifth Responsory,
after which the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Sixth Blessing.
May the Spirit s fire Divine
In our inmost being shine.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Sixth Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Sixth Responsory.
THIRD NOCTURN, OR WATCH OF
THE NIGHT.
Antiphon for Advent. The Angel
Gabriel.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
There is no speech.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia.
Psalm XVIII.
[Intituled " A Psalm of David," with the
same farther obscure superscription, as in
Pss. xii. and xiii.]
heavens declare the glory
of God, * and the firmament
showeth His handy-work.
Day unto day uttereth speech,
* and night unto night showeth
knowledge.
There is no speech nor lan
guage, * where their voice is not
heard.
Their sound is gone out through
all the earth : * and their words to
the ends of the world.
He hath set His tabernacle in the
sun : * * which is as a bridegroom
coming out of his chamber.
He rejoiceth as a strong man to
run a race : * his going forth is from
the end of the heaven.
And his circuit unto the ends of
it : * and there is nothing hid from
the heat thereof.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
converting the soul : * the testimony
of the LORD is sure, making wise the
simple.
The statutes of the LORD are
right, rejoicing the heart : * the
commandment of the LORD is clear,
giving light unto the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is holy,
enduring for ever and ever : * the
judgments of the LORD are true,
righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than
gold and store of precious stones,
* sweeter also than honey and the
honeycomb.
Verily, Thy servant keepeth them :
1 So the LXX., as well as the Vulgate. Cf. Ps. cii. 19 ; ciii. 2, 3. The sense seems
to be that the physical source of the light and life of this system is represented as a kind of
celestial counterpart of the tabernacle, which was the centre of the Divine authority as re
vealed upon earth. The Hebrew, however, which is supported by St. Jerome, reads, "In
them (i.e., the starry heavens) hath He set a tabernacle for the sun," and this reading
seems to commend itself to Archbishop Kenrick, wfio suggests that the " tabernacle " may
signify the region below the horizon, into which the sun retires nightly, as into a tent, to
sleep, and from which he issues in renewed glory every morning. Targum : In them
hath He set splendour as a tabernacle for the sun."
18
THE PSALTER.
* in keeping of them there is great
reward.
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse Thou me from secret faults :
* preserve Thy servant also from
the sins of others.
If they get not dominion over me,
then shall I be undefiled : * and
1 shall be cleansed from the great
transgression.
Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of mine heart,
* be acceptable in Thy sight for
ever,
O LORD mine Helper, * and my
Redeemer !
Antiphon for Advent. 1 The An
gel Gabriel spake unto Mary, saying :
Hail, thou that art full of grace, the
Lord is with thee : blessed art thou
among women.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
2 There is no speech nor lan
guage where their voice is not
heard.
/;/ Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said to the whole Nocturn.
Second Antiphon for Advent.
Mary said.
Second Antiphon for the rest of the
year. The LORD.
When this Antiphon is used the
Psalm begins with the words " Hear
thee."
Psalm XIX.
[This Psalm has the same title as the
last.]
THE LORD hear thee in the day
of trouble : * the Name of
the God of Jacob defend thee.
Send thee help from the sanc
tuary, * and strengthen thee out of
Zion.
Remember all thine offerings, *
and accept thy burnt sacrifice. 3
Grant thee according to thine
own heart, * and fulfil all thy
counsel.
We will rejoice in Thy salvation :
* and in the name of our God will
we exult.
The LORD fulfil all thy petitions :
* now know I that the LORD saveth
His Anointed.
He will hear him from His holy
heaven, * strong is the salvation of
His right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some
in horses : * but we will call
upon the name of the LORD our
God.
They are brought down and fal
len : * but we are risen, and stand
upright.
O LORD, save the king : * and
hear us in the day when we call
upon Thee.
Antiphon for Advent. 4 Mary
said : What manner of salutation
is this? My soul is troubled.
Shall I bear the King? And will
He not break the seal of my vir
ginity ?
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
5 The LORD hear thee in the day of
trouble.
Third Antiphon for Advent. The
King.
Third Antiphon for the rest of the
year. The king.
When this Antiphon is used the
Psalm begins with the words " Shall
joy."
1 Luke i. 28.
4 Luke i. 29.
2 Ps. xviii. 4.
5 Ps. xix. 2.
SLH.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm XX.
[This Psalm also bears the same title as
the xviiith.]
king shall joy in Thy
strength, O LORD : * and in
Thy salvation how greatly shall he
rejoice !
Thou hast given him his heart s
desire, * and hast not withholden
the request of his lips. 1
For Thou hast met him with the
blessings of sweetness : * Thou hast
set a crown of precious stones upon
his head.
He asked life of Thee : * and
Thou gavest him length of days for
ever and ever.
His glory is great in Thy salva
tion : * honour and great majesty
shalt Thou lay upon him.
For Thou wilt give him to be a
blessing for ever : * Thou shalt
make him exceeding glad with Thy
countenance.
For the king trusteth in the
LORD, * and, through the mercy
of the Most High, he shall not be
moved.
Thine hand shall find out all
thine enemies : * thy right hand
shall find out all those that hate
thee.
Thou shalt make them as a fiery
oven in the time of thine anger : *
the LORD shall cut them off in His
wrath, and the fire shall devour them.
Their fruit shalt thou destroy from
the earth, * and their seed from
among the children of men.
For they intended evil against
thee : * they imagined a device,
which they were not able to perform.
Therefore shalt thou cast them
behind thee : * thou shalt leave
their faces lying in thy track.
Be Thou exalted, O LORD, in
Thine own strength : * we will sing
and praise Thy power.
Antiphon for Advent. The King,
even the Most High, cometh ; there
fore let the hearts of men be purified
to go forth to meet Him, for, behold,
2 He will come and will not tarry.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
3 The king shall joy in Thy strength,
O LORD.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Alle
luia, Weep not, Mary, Alleluia : the
Lord is risen, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. 4 The Lord cometh out of
His holy place.
Answer. He will come and save
His people.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 5 Be Thou exalted, O
LORD, in Thine own strength.
Answer. We will sing and praise
Thy power.
In Lent.
Verse. 6 His truth shall be thy
shield.
Answer. Thou shalt not be afraid
for the terror by night.
In Passion time.
Verse. 7 Take not away my soul
with sinners, O God !
Answer. Nor my life with bloody
men.
1 SLH. 2 Heb. x. 37.
4 Isa. xxxv. 4 ; Micah i. 3. 5 Ps. xx. 14.
3 Ps, xx, 2.
6 Ps. xc. 5. 7 Ps. xxv. 9.
20
THE PSALTER.
In Paschal time.
Verse. 1 The disciples were glad,
Alleluia.
Answer. When they saw the
Lord, Alleluia.
Then is said the Lord s Prayer.
OUR Father (inaudibly\ Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from evil.
Then the Absolution.
MAY the Almighty and merci
ful Lord loose us from the
bonds of our sins.
Answer. Amen.
Then the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Seventh Blessing.
May the Gospel s saving Lord
Bless the reading of His word.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Seventh Lesson^ and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Seventh Responsory,
after which the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Eighth Blessing.
God s most mighty strength al-
way
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Eighth Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Eighth Responsory ,
after which the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Ninth Blessing.
May He That is the Angels
King
To that high realm His people
bring.
Answer. Amen.
Or, if another Gospel and Homily are
to be read:
May the Gospel s glorious word
Cleansing to our souls afford.
Then is read the Ninth Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said a Ninth Responsory,
unless this Hymn, "We praise Thee,
O God," be substituted for it. The
Hymn "We praise Thee, O God," is
said in this place on every Sunday and
Feast-day in the year (except the Feast
of the Holy hinocents if it fall on a
Week - day} from Easter to Advent
and from Christmas to Septuagesima.
In Advent and from Septuagesima to
Easter it is not said on Sunday, but
only on Feast-days. From Easter to
Pentecost it is said on every day what
soever, except only Rogation Monday.
ijohn
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
21
praise Thee, O God: we
acknowledge Thee to be
the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee,
the Father everlasting.
To Thee all Angels cry aloud,
the heavens, and all the Powers
therein.
To Thee Cherubim- and Sera
phim 3 continually do cry :
Holy, Holy, Holy LORD God of
Sabaoth. 4
Heaven and earth are full of the
majesty of Thy glory.
The glorious company of the
Apostles praise Thee :
The goodly fellowship of the
Prophets praise Thee :
The white-robed army of Mar
tyrs praise Thee :
The holy Church throughout all
the world doth acknowledge Thee :
The Father of an infinite Ma
jesty :
Thine honourable, true and only
Son:
Also the Holy Ghost, the Com
forter.
Thou art the King of glory, O
Christ !
Thou art the everlasting Son of
the Father.
When Thou tookest upon Thee
to deliver man, Thou didst not
abhor the Virgin s womb :
When Thou hadst overcome the
sharpness of death, Thou didst
open the kingdom of heaven to
all believers :
Thou sittesi at the right hand of
God, in the glory of the Father :
We believe that Thou shalt come
to be our Judge :
5 We therefore pray Thee, help
Thy servants, whom Thou hast re
deemed with Thy precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with
Thy Saints in glory everlasting. 6
7 O Lord, save Thy people, and
bless Thine inheritance.
Govern them, and lift them up
for ever.
Day by day we magnify Thee ;
And we worship Thy name,
ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day,
to keep us without sin.
8 Have mercy upon us, O LORD,
have mercy upon us.
9 O LORD, let Thy mercy lighten
upon us, as our trust is in Thee.
10 O LORD, in Thee have I trust
ed : let me never be confounded.
If Lauds be not immediately to follow,
Mattins end thus :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Then the Prayer for the day ; then
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Verse. May the souls of the
faithful, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Lord s Prayer.
1 The authorship of this Hymn, which is prescribed in the Rule of St. Benedict (born A.D.
480, died 543), is uncertain. - See Ezek. i. 3 See Isaiah vi. 2.
4 Hebrew feminine Plural, meaning "hosts," "armies."
5 During this verse it is usual to kneel. 6 Here ends the original Hymn.
7 Ps. xxvii. 9. 8 Ps. cxxii. 3. 9 Ps. xxxii. 22. 10 Ps. xxx. 2.
22
LAUDS, OR THE MORNING PRAISES
OF GOD. 1
Suntiag.
THE LORD S DAY.
Verse. &gt;J Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Ansiver. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is
now, and ever shall be, world with
out end. Amen, Alleluia.
From Septuagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of "Alle
luia," is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of Heaven.
Then follow at once the Psalms and
Antiphons. From the First Sunday in
Advent till the Sunday after the Octave
of the Epiphany and from Septuagesima
Sunday till the Octave of Pentecost
(and also on all Feasts}, Five Antiphons
are given, which are then said in the
places here marked. During the rest
of the year only Three A?itiphons are
said, which are given here.
Antiphon. Alleluia.
Psalm XCII.
[The Hebrew and the Targum give no
superscription ; but the LXX. and the
Vulgate have "A Song of Praise by David
for the eve of the Sabbath when the earth
was established" i.e., A Song of Praise
proper for the close of Friday before the
setting - in of the Sabbath ; the time of
which it is said (Gen. i. 31, ii. i): "And
God saw every thing that He had made,
and, behold, it was very good. And the
evening and the morning were the sixth
day. Thus the heavens and the earth
were finished, and all the host of them."]
THE LORD reigneth, He is
clothed with majesty : * the
LORD is clothed with strength, where
with He hath girded Himself.
He hath established the world
also, * that it cannot be moved.
Thy throne is established of old :
* Thou art from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O
LORD, * the floods have lifted up
their_ voice
The floods lift up their waves. *
But Mightier than the noise of
many waters
Than the mighty breakers of the
sea * is the LORD on high !
1 The proper hour for Lauds is the dawn of day. This is reckoned to be about 3 A.M., at
which time this Office is said in many Convents. For this purpose it is, in choirs, invari
ably (except where it forms part of the same service with the Midnight Mass at Christmas)
said immediately after and as one service with Mattins. Hence it follows ist, that it is
said late in the afternoon, when Mattins are said at that time, and 2ndly, that the Lord s
Prayer and Angelic Salutation are not said at the beginning. This service is constructed
on the same general principle as Vespers, and answers to that Office as Prime does to
Compline.
SUNDAY AT LAUDS.
Thy testimonies are very sure : *
holiness becometh Thine house, O
LORD, for ever !
When there are Five Antiphons the
First is repeated, and the Second begun
or said through the first time here.
Psalm XCIX.
[Intituled in the Vulgate and the LXX.,
" A Psalm of Thanksgiving. "]
IV /TAKE a joyful noise unto God,
-*-*-*- all ye lands : * serve the
LORD with gladness.
Come before His presence, * with
singing.
Know ye that the LORD, He is
God : * it is He That hath made
us, and not l we ourselves :
We are His people, and the sheep
of His pasture. * Enter into His gates
with thanksgiving, and into His courts
with praise : give thanks unto Him,^
Praise His Name. For the LORD
is good, His mercy is everlasting :
* and His truth endureth to all
generations.
When there are Five Antiphons the
Second is repeated, and the Third begun
or said through the first time here.
Psalm LXII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David, when he
was in the wilderness of Judah." This was
one of the most perilous periods of David s
life, when he was flying from the pursuit of
Saul, and hiding in different forests and
wildernesses in the south of Palestine. He
was betrayed again and again, and had the
most hairbreadth escapes. The history
will be found in I Kings (Sam.) xxii. and
xxiii.]
GOD, Thou art my God, *
early will I seek Thee :
My soul thirsteth for Thee, * my
flesh longeth for Thee,
In a dry and desert land, with
out water. * So have I appeared
before Thee in the Sanctuary, to see
Thy power and Thy glory.
Because Thy loving-kindness is
better than life, * my lips shall praise
Thee.
Thus will I bless Thee while I
live : * and will lift up mine hands
in Thy name.
My soul shall be satisfied as
with marrow and fatness ; * and
my mouth shall praise Thee with
joyful lips.
When I remember Thee upon my
bed, I meditate upon Thee in the
night watches : * because Thou
hast been mine help :
And in the shadow of Thy wings
will I rejoice. My soul followeth
hard after Thee : * Thy right hand
upholdeth me.
But those that seek my soul to
destroy it, shall go into the lower
parts of the earth : * they shall fall
by the sword, they shall be a portion
for foxes.
But the King shall rejoice in
God : every one that sweareth by
him shall glory : * for the mouth
of them that speak lies shall be
stopped.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
Psalm LXVI.
[Besides a musical superscription, the
Hebrew and the Targum give no title ex
cept " A Psalm, a Psalm. " But the Vulgate
and the LXX. ascribe the authorship to
David.]
be merciful unto us, and
bless us : * cause His face
1 The Hebrew tradition attributes the negative to an eccentric spelling, and translates
"and His we are.
THE PSALTER.
to shine upon us, and be merciful
unto us. 1
That Thy way may be known
upon earth : * Thy saving health
among all nations.
Let the people praise Thee, O
God : * let all the people praise
Thee.
O let the nations be glad and
sing for joy : * for Thou judgest
the people righteously, and govern-
est the nations upon earth. 2
Let the people praise Thee, O
God, let all the people praise Thee.
* The earth hath yielded her in
crease ;
Let God, even our own God,
bless us ; let God bless us : * and
let all the ends of the earth fear
Him.
When there are Five Antiphons, the
Third is repeated, and the Fourth begun
or said through the first time here.
Ordinary Antiphon throughout the
year. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Second Ordinary Antiphon. The
king commanded.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia; Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia; Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia.
Second Antiphon for Paschal time.
He That delivered.
THE SONG OF THE THREE HOLY
CHILDREN. (Daniel iii. 57.)
[It is well known how the three young
comrades of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and
Azariah, called by the heathen, Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego, were thrown into
a furnace for refusing to worship an idol,
and remained unhurt amid the flames. In
this strange position Azariah offered a long
prayer. " And the king s servants, that put
them in, ceased not to make the oven hot
with I esin, pitch, tow, and small wood, so
that the flame streamed forth above the
furnace forty and nine cubits. But the
Angel of the Lord came down into the
oven together with Azariah and his fellows,
and smote the flame of the fire out of the
oven, and made the midst of the furnace as
it had been a moist whistling wind, so that
the fire touched them not at all, neither
hurt nor troubled them. Then the three,
as out of one mouth, praised, glorified, and
blessed God in the furnace, saying " the
Hymn, of which that in the text is a cento.
The first five verses are omitted.]
OALL ye works of the Lord,
bless ye the Lord : * praise
Him, and exalt Him above all for
ever.
O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye
the Lord : * O ye heavens, bless ye
the Lord.
O all ye waters that be above the
heavens, bless ye the Lord : * O all
ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the
Lord.
O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the
Lord : * O ye stars of heaven, bless
ye the Lord.
O ye showers and dew, bless ye
the Lord : * O ye winds of God,
bless ye the Lord.
O ye fire and heat, bless ye the
Lord : * O ye winter and summer,
bless ye the Lord.
O ye dews and rime, bless ye the
Lord : * O ye frost and cold, bless
ye the Lord.
O ye ice and snow, bless ye the
Lord : * O ye nights and days, bless
ye the Lord.
O ye light and darkness, bless ye
the Lord : * O ye lightnings and
clouds, bless ye the Lord.
O let the earth bless the Lord :
* let her praise and exalt Him above
all for ever !
1 SLH. The repetition of the words "be merciful unto us" is peculiar to the Latin.
2 SLH.
SUNDAY AT LAUDS.
O ye mountains and hills, bless
ye the Lord : * O all ye green
things upon the earth, bless ye the
Lord.
O ye wells, bless ye the Lord :
* O ye seas and floods, bless ye the
Lord.
O ye whales, and all that move
in the waters, bless ye the Lord :
* O all ye fowls of the air, bless
ye the Lord.
O all ye beasts and cattle, bless
ye the Lord : * O ye children of
men, bless ye the Lord.
O let Israel bless the Lord : * let
him praise and exalt Him above all
for ever !
O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye
the Lord : * O ye servants of the
Lord, bless ye the Lord.
O ye spirits and souls of the
righteous, bless ye the Lord : * O
ye holy and humble men of heart,
bless ye the Lord.
Ananias, Azarias, and Misael,
bless ye the Lord : * praise and
exalt Him above all for ever.
1 Bless we the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Ghost : * let us
praise and exalt Him above all for
ever.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the
firmament of heaven : * and to be
praised, and glorified, and exalted
above all for ever.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said, nor "Amen"
answered. But the other Canticles are
treated like ordinary Psalms.
When there are Five Antiphons, the
Fourth is repeated, and the Fifth begun
or said through the first time here.
Ordinary Antiphon throughout the
year. The king commanded, and
the Three Children were cast into
the furnace, fearing not the flame
of the fire, but saying : Blessed be
God!
Antiphon for Paschal time. He
That delivered the Three Children
from the burning fiery furnace, even
Christ, is risen from the grave.
Alleluia.
Third Antiphon. Alleluia.
Psalm CXLVIII.
[To this Psalm is prefixed "Alleluia."
The LXX. connect it with the Prophets
Haggai and Zechariah. See Thursday and
Friday in the fifth week of November.]
JDRAISE ye the LORD from the
heavens : * praise Him in the
heights.
Praise ye Him, all His Angels : *
praise ye Him, all His hosts.
Praise ye Him, sun and moon :
* praise Him, all ye stars and light.
Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens:
* and all the waters that be above
the heavens. Let them praise the
Name of the LORD !
For He spake, and they were
made 2 : * He commanded, and they
were created.
He hath established them for
ever and ever : * He hath made a
decree which shall not pass.
Praise the LORD from the earth,
* ye dragons, and all deeps :
Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy wind,
* fulfilling His word :
Mountains, and all hills, * fruitful
trees, and all cedars :
Beasts, and all cattle, * creeping
things, and flying fowl :
Kings of the earth, and all people ;
1 This verse is, of course, a later addition ; more than two verses are omitted, and the last
given is one of those omitted at the beginning.
2 Taken from Ps. xxxii. 9.
26
THE PSALTER.
* princes, and all judges of the
earth :
Young men, and maidens, old
men, and children : let them praise
the Name of the LORD * for His
Name alone is exalted !
His glory is above heaven and
earth. * He also exalteth the horn
of His people,
The praise of all His Saints, *
even of the children of Israel, a
people near unto Him.
[Here "Alleluia."]
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
Psalm CXLIX.
[Here "Alleluia."]
SING unto the LORD a new
song : * His praise in the
congregation of Saints.
Let Israel rejoice in Him That
made him : * and let the children
of Zion be joyful in their King.
Let them praise His Name in
the dance : * let them sing praises
unto Him with the timbrel and
harp.
For the LORD taketh pleasure in
His people : * He also will exalt
the meek unto salvation.
Let the Saints be joyful in glory :
* let them sing aloud upon their
beds:
Let the high praises of God be in
their mouth : * and a two-edged
sword in their hands ;
To execute vengeance upon the
heathen, * and punishments upon
the people ;
To bind their kings with chains,
* and their nobles with fetters of
iron ;
To execute upon them the judg
ment written : * this honour have
all His Saints.
[Here "Alleluia."]
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
Psalm CL.
[Here "Alleluia."]
PRAISE the Lord in His sanc
tuary ! * praise Him in the
firmament of His power !
Praise Him in His mighty acts !
* praise Him according to His ex
cellent greatness !
Praise Him with the sound of
the trumpet ! * praise Him with the
psaltery and harp !
Praise Him with the timbrel and
dance ! * praise Him with stringed
instruments and organs !
Praise Him upon the loud cym
bals, praise Him upon the high-
sounding cymbals ! * Let every
thing that hath breath praise the
LORD !
[Here "Alleluia."]
Antiphon. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alle
luia.
(The last of Five Antiphons is, of
course, repeated here.}
Then follows the Chapter. From the
First Sunday in Advent to the Second
Sunday after the Epiphany, and from
Septuagesima Sunday to the Third
Sunday after Pentecost, as also on all
Feasts, a special Chapter is given. On
the remaining Sundays the Chapter is
that given here.
CHAPTER. (Apoc. vii. 12.)
13LESSING, and glory, and wis-
*-* dom, and thanksgiving, and
honour, and power, and might be
SUNDAY AT LAUDS.
unto our God for ever and ever.
Amen.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
This answer is always made after
the Chapter.
Then follows the Hymn. From the
First Sunday in Advent till the Octave
of the Epiphany and from the First
Sunday in Lent till the Octave of Pen
tecost, as also on all Feasts, a special
Hymn is given. On the remaining
Sundays the Hymn given here is said,
except between the Octave of Pentecost
and the first Sunday of October.
HYMN. 1
"PRAMER of the earth and sky,
- 1 Ruler of the day and night,
With a glad variety,
Tempering all, and making light ;
Gleams upon our dark path flinging,
Cutting short each night begun,
Hark ! for chanticleer is singing,
Hark ! he chides the lingering sun.
And the morning star replies,
And lets loose the imprison d day ;
And the godless bandit flies
From his haunt, and from his prey.
Shrill it sounds, the storm relenting
Soothes the weary seamen s ears ;
Once it wrought a great repenting,
In that flood of Peter s tears.
Rouse we ; let the blithesome cry
Of that bird our hearts awaken ;
Chide the slumberers as they lie,
And arrest the sin-o ertaken.
Hope and health are in his strain,
To the fearful and the ailing ;
Murder sheathes his blade profane,
Faith revives when faith was failing.
JESU, Master ! when we sin,
Turn on us Thy healing Face ;
It will melt the offence within
Into penitential grace :
Beam on our bewildered mind,
Till its dreamy shadows flee ;
Stones cry out where Thou hast shined,
JESU ! musical with Thee.
To the Father and the Son,
And the Spirit, Who in heaven
Ever witness, Three and One,
Praise on earth be ever given.
Amen.
The following Hymn is said from the
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost till the
first Sunday of October.
HYMN. 2
"DALER have grown the shades of
- 1 night,
And nearer draws the day,
Checkering the sky with streaks of
light,
Since we began to pray :
To pray for mercy when we sin,
For cleansing and release,
For ghostly safety, and within
For everlasting peace.
Praise to the Father, as is meet,
Praise to the Only Son,
Praise to the Holy Paraclete,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent and from Septuagesima
Sunday till the end of Paschal time, as
also on all Feasts, a special Verse and
Answer are given.
Verse. 3 The LORD reigneth, He
is clothed with majesty.
Answer. The LORD is clothed
with strength, and hath girded Him
self with power.
Then is said the following Song from
the Gospel. It has an Antiphon, which
is always special, and which is either
1 By St. Ambrose, or at least of the Ambrosian school, except the last verse. Translation
by the late Card. Newman.
2 By Pope St. Gregory the Great, but a good deal altered. Translation by the late
Card. Newman. 3 p s xc jj j
28
THE PSALTER.
begun or said through the first time be
fore it, according as the Office is Double
or not.
THE SONG OF ZACHARIAS.
[On the occasion of the circumcision of
St. John the Baptist. Luke i. 68-79.]
BLESSED be the Lord God of
Israel, * for He hath visited
and redeemed His people.
And hath raised up an horn of
salvation for us, * in the house of
His servant David :
As He spake by the mouth of
His holy Prophets, * which have
been since the world began :
That we should be saved from
our enemies, * and from the hand of
all that hate us :
To perform the mercy promised
to our fathers, * and to remember
His holy covenant :
The oath which He sware to our
father Abraham, * that He would
grant unto us,
That we, being delivered out of
the hand of our enemies, * might
serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness be
fore Him * all the days of our life.
And thou, child, shalt be called
the Prophet of the Highest : * for
thou shalt go before the face of the
Lord to prepare His ways :
To give knowledge of salvation
unto His people, * by the remission
of their sins ;
Through the tender mercy of our
God, * whereby the dayspring from
on high hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit
in darkness, and in the shadow of
death, * to guide our feet into the
way of peace.
The Doxology, "Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is said,
Antiphon repeated.
and then the
Then is said :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Then follows the Prayer for the day
at the end of which is answered:
Answer. Amen.
Afterwards are made any Commem
orations necessary, by the Antiphon
for the Song of Zacharias, the Verse
and Answer after the Hymn, and the
Prayer (preceded by "Let us pray")
from the superseded Office which is to
be commemorated. After which the
following Common Commemorations
are made, if required, according to
Chapter xxxv. of the General Rubrics.
When more than two Prayers are to
be said, the last clause of each (begin
ning "Through our Lord, c.," or
" Who livest, &c.,") is omitted in all
except the first and the last, nor is
" Amen " answered except after these
two.
(Note that if these Commemorations
be said upon a week-day, kept as suck,
out of Paschal time, they are preceded
by the Commemoration of the Cross,
given hereafter at the end of the Lauds
of Monday?)
I. Commemoration of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
(Omitted if the Office of the day is
of the Blessed Virgin, or if her Little
Office is to be said.)
Antiphon. O Holy Mary, be
thou an help to the helpless, a
strength to the fearful, a comfort to
the sorrowful ; pray for the people,
plead for the clergy, make inter
cession for all women vowed to
God ; may all that keep thine holy
SUNDAY AT LAUDS.
remembrance, feel the might of
thine assistance.
Verse. Pray for us, O holy
Mother of God.
Answer, That we may be made
worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
GRANT, we beseech Thee, O
Lord God, unto all Thy
servants, that they may continually
enjoy soundness both of mind and
of body, and by the glorious inter
cession of the Blessed Mary, always
a Virgin, may be delivered from
present sadness, and enter into the
joy of Thine eternal gladness.
From the Octave of the Epiphany to
Candlemas, the Antiphon is the same,
but the rest is as follows :
Verse. After thy delivery thou
still remainest a Virgin undenled.
Answer. Mother of God, pray
for us.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, by the fruitful
virginity of the Blessed
Mary, hast given unto mankind the
rewards of everlasting life ; grant,
we beseech Thee, that we may con
tinually feel the might of her inter
cession, through whom we have
worthily received the Author of our
life, our Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son.
II. Commemoration of St. Joseph^
Patron of the Universal Church.
(Omitted in his Votive Office^
Antiphon. l JESUS Himself began
to be about thirty years of age, being
(as was supposed) the son of Joseph.
Verse. 2 The mouth of the right
eous speaketh wisdom.
Answer. And his tongue talketh
judgment.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, in Thine un
speakable foreknowledge,
didst choose Thy blessed servant
Joseph to be the husband of Thine
Own most holy Mother; mercifully
grant that now that he is in heaven
with Thee, we who on earth do
reverence him for our defender,
may worthily be holpen by the
succour of his prayers to Thee on
our behalf.
III. Commemoration of the Holy
Apostles, Peter and Paul.
(Omitted in the Votive Office of the
Apostles.}
Antiphon. 3 These are glorious
princes over all the earth, they
loved one another in their lives,
and in their death they were not
divided.
Verse. 4 Their sound is gone out
through all the earth.
Answer. And their words to the
ends of the world.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Whose Right Hand
caught the Blessed Peter
when he walked upon the water,
and began to sink, 5 and thrice de
livered his fellow-Apostle Paul from
the deep of the sea, when he suf
fered shipwreck ; 6 graciously hear
us, and grant, for the sake of them
i Luke iii. 23.
4 Ps. xviii. 5-
2 Ps. xxxvi. 30;
5 Matth. xiv. 31.
3 2 Kings (Sam.) i. 23.
6 2 Cor. xi. 25.
30 THE PSALTER.
both, that we also may attain unto For Peace.
everlasting glory. Antiphon. Give peace in our
Note l . time, O Lord, because there is
1 In England in this case, by a special rule, is made
Commemoration of St. George, Patron of England.
Antiphon. * The Saints through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises.
Verse, t O LORD, Thou hast compassed him.
Answer. With Thy favour as with a shield.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who dost gladden us through the worthy deeds and prayers of
Thy blessed Martyr George ; mercifully grant that all they that seek
Thy favour through him, may effectually obtain the gift of Thy grace.
And thus it is said within the Octave.
In the Diocese of Hexham St. George is not commemorated, but instead, the following
commemoration is made of St. Cuthbert :
Antiphon. Holy Cuthbert, our Protector, grace and glory of our father
land, look down upon us from Heaven, and pray God for us, that He grant
us everlasting joy.
Verse. At the prayers of Blessed Cuthbert and for his sake,
Answer. Be merciful unto Thy people, O Lord.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, through the priceless gift of Thy grace, dost make Thine
holy ones glorious, mercifully grant, that the prayers of Thy Blessed
Confessor and Bishop Cuthbert may help us worthily there to attain, where
are the spirits of just men made perfect.
In the Diocese of Northampton the following commemoration of St. Thomas of Canter
bury is made before that of St. George :
Antiphon. +1 am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am
known of Mine, and I lay down My life for the sheep.
Verse. In your patience
Answer. Possess ye your souls.
Let us pray.
GOD, in defence of Whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas fell
by the swords of wicked men, grant, we beseech Thee, that all that
ask his help may obtain wholesome fruit of their petition.
In the Diocese of Plymouth the following commemoration of St. Boniface of Maintz is
made before that of St. George :
Antiphon. Many nations, many thousands of men, did Blessed Boniface
* Heb. xi. 33. f Ps. v. 13. J John x. 14, 15. Luke xxi. 19.
SUNDAY AT LAUDS. 31
none other that fighteth for us, but our hearts may be set to obey Thy
only Thou, O our God. commandments, and also that by
Verse. x Peace be within thy Thee we being defended from the
walls. fear of our enemies, may pass our
Answer, And prosperity within time in rest and quietness. Through
thy palaces. our Lord JESUS Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee,
Let us pray. in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one
God, world without end.
GOD, from Whom all holy Answer. Amen.
desires, all good counsels,
and all just works do proceed : give r !l ie Monday after Low Sunday
unto Thy servants that peace which f ^
the world cannot give, that both the following:
gain for Christ, and forasmuch as he made himself like unto an Apostle, he
hath purchased unto himself a great reward in Heaven along with the
Apostles.
Verse. Be strong in the Lord, be strong.
Answer. That ye may live for ever with God.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who wast pleased to make the zeal of Thy Blessed Martyr and
Bishop Boniface the mean whereby Thou didst cause many peoples
to know Thy Name, mercifully grant unto us who honour his memory to be
feelingly holpen by the succour of his protection.
(And so it is said within the Octave.}
In the Diocese of Portsmouth the following commemoration of St. Edmund of Can
terbury is made after that of St. George :
Antiphon. He loved righteousness and hated iniquity, and therefore he
died in exile.
Verse. Cast out upon a world of woes,
In exile here we roam.
Answer. O Blessed Edmund, by thy prayers,
Gain us the love of home.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who in the abundance of Thy goodness toward Thy Church
hast made her bright by the illustrious life of Thy blessed Confessor
and Bishop Edmund, and gladdened her by his glorious and wondrous
works, mercifully grant unto Thy servants that they may be bettered in
following after his ensample, and shielded by his protection from all things
that may rise up against them.
1 Ps. cxxi. 7.
THE PSALTER.
Paschal Commemoration of the
Cross.
(Omitted in the Votive Offices of the
Blessed Sacrament cmd of the Passion?)
Antiphon. He That was cruci
fied is risen from the dead, and
hath redeemed us. Alleluia, Al
leluia.
Verse. l Say among the heathen
Alleluia.
Answer. That the LORD reign-
eth from the tree Alleluia.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who didst send Thy
Son to suffer death for us
upon the Cross, that Thou might-
est deliver us from the power of
the enemy ; grant unto us Thy
servants to be made partakers of
His Resurrection. Through the
Same our Lord JESUS Christ Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, one God, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
After the last Prayer is said:
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
If the Office of the Dead or the Litany
(with or without the Penitential Psalms)
is to follow immediately, it is begun
here. Otherwise
There is said in rather a low voice :
May the souls of the Faithful
through the mercy of God rest in
peace.
Answer. Amen.
If Prime is to follow immediately, it
is begun here, and what follows is not
said till the end of the whole service.
Otherwise the Office ends thus :
The Lord s Prayer is said inaudibly :
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into temp
tation ; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Then aloud:
Verse. The Lord give us His
peace.
Answer. And life everlasting.
Amen.
Then follows one of these Four Anti-
phons of the Blessed Virgin Mary, ac
cording to the season of the year.
I. From the First Sunday in Ad
vent to Candlemas, both inclusive.
Antiphon. " 2 Maiden, Mother of
Him that redeemed us, thou that
abidest
Heaven s open gate, and the Star
of the Sea, come, succour the fallen !
Fallen indeed we are, but fain
would rise by thy succour.
Thou that beyond nature s course,
hast borne in time the Eternal ;
Thou that a Virgin before and
after that childbirth remainest,
1 Ps. xcv. 10, old version.
2 i.e., it is said for the first time after Vespers, if the Antiphon of the B.V. be to be said,
and in any case after Compline, on the Saturday evening before Advent Sunday, and it is
still similarly said after Vespers on February 2, but not after Compline on that day. It is
ascribed to Hermann the Cripple, a monk of Reichenau, who died A.D. 1052. This trans
lation is in the same rhymeless measure as the original,
SUNDAY AT LAUDS.
33
From the Archangel s lips the
quickening message receiving,
Mother of JESUS and us, turn
thine eyes of mercy on sinners.
Verse. The Angel of the Lord
announced unto Mary.
Answer. And she conceived by
the Holy Ghost.
Let us pray.
beseech Thee, O Lord,
pour Thy grace into our
hearts ; that, as we have known
the Incarnation of Thy Son Christ
by the message of an Angel, so by
His Passion and Cross we may be
brought unto the glory of the
Resurrection. Through the same
Christ our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
In and after the First Vespers of
Christmas Day the Verse and Answer
and Prayer are as follows :
Verse. After thy delivery thou
still remainest a Virgin undefiled.
Ansiver. Mother of God, pray
for us.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, by the fruitful
virginity of the Blessed Mary,
hast given unto mankind the re
wards of everlasting life; grant, we
beseech Thee, that we may con
tinually feel the might of her inter
cession, through whom we have
worthily received the Author of
our life, even our Lord JESUS
Christ Thy Son.
Ansiver. Amen.
II. From Candlemas to Maundy
Thursday , both exclusive)-
Antiphon. Hail, O Mary, Queen
of Heaven,
Queen of Angel worlds on high,
Hail, O Rod to Jesse given,
Blessed Portal of the sky,
Hail, O Lady, bright and glorious,
Clad in beauty pure and true,
Virgin ! o er sin s stain victorious,
Sinners for thy succour sue.
Verse. Holy Virgin, my praise
by thee accepted be.
Ansiver. Give me strength against
thine enemies.
Let us pray.
/^RANT, we beseech Thee, O
^-*" most merciful God, a succour
unto the frailty of our nature, that
as we keep ever alive the memory
of the holy Mother of God, so by
the help of her intercession we may
be raised up from the bondage of
our sins. Through the same Christ
our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
III. From Easter Sunday^ till the
Saturday after Pentecost, both in
clusive.
Antiphon. Rejoice! rejoice! thou
Queen of Heaven, Alleluia,
For He That thee for Son was
given, Alleluia,
As He promised is arisen. Alle
luia.
( *.&lt;?., .it is said for the first time after Compline on Feb. 2 (even if the Feast of the
ranhcation be transferred), and for the last time after Compline on Wednesday in Holy
Week. The authorship is unknown ; it seems to date from about the eleventh century.
i.e., it is said for the first time after Compline on Easter Eve. The date and author
ship are unknown ; but a legend has become attached to it to the effect that St. Gregory
the Great heard the three first lines uttered by an angel, and himself added the fourth, on
the same occasion from which was instituted the procession upon St. Mark s Day
VOL. III. B
34
THE PSALTER.
Mother, pray to Him for us. Alle
luia.
Verse. Be glad and rejoice, O
Virgin Mary, Alleluia,
Answer. For the Lord is risen
indeed, Alleluia.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who art pleased to
gladden the whole world by
the resurrection of Thy Son our
Lord JESUS Christ ; grant, we be
seech Thee, that by the help of
His Mother the Virgin Mary, we
may finally attain unto the glad
ness of life everlasting. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
IV. From Trinity Sunday l till the
Saturday before Advent Sunday,
both inclusive.
Antiphon. Hail, O Queen, Mother
of mercy ! hail, our life, our sweet
ness, and our hope ! To thee we
cry, the banished sons of Eve. To
ward thee we sigh, weeping and
groaning in this vale of tears. Ah,
then, thou our Advocate, turn on us
those merciful eyes of thine ! And,
after this our exile, show to us
JESUS, the blessed Fruit of thy
womb. O merciful, O gracious, O
sweet Virgin Mary !
Verse. Pray for us, O holy Mother
of God,
Answer. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
O ALMIGHTY and everlasting
God, Who, by the co-opera
tion of the Holy Ghost, didst make
ready both the body and soul of the
glorious Virgin and Mother Mary
worthily to become a meet dwelling
for Thy Son ; grant that as we re
joice in her memory, so by her piti
ful intercession we may be delivered
from the evils that continually hang
over us, and finally from everlasting
death. Through the same Christ
our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
After each of these Antiphons is said
this Blessing :
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Feasts. The above Office, appointed
for Sunday, is also said on all Feasts
whatsoever, even Simples, and every
day in Paschal time.
1 i.e., it is said for the first time after Vespers, if the Antiphon of the B.V. be to be
said, and in any case after Compline, on the Saturday evening before Trinity Sunday. The
last clause is usually admitted to be an exclamation uttered by St. Bernard of Clairvaux in
the Cathedral of Spires ; but the authorship of the rest is disputed, some ascribing it to
Hermann the Cripple, others to one Peter of Monsoro, Bishop of Compostella, others to
one Adhemar, Bishop of Podium (Puy-en-Velay). It seems to have been well known, at
least in Spain, early in the twelfth century.
35
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR. 1
THE LORD S DAY.
Before Prime is said inaudibly the
Lord s Prayer, the Angelic Salutation,
and the Apostles Creed.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as
we forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into tempta
tion but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
IT AIL, Mary, full of grace; The
-*- * Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
T BELIEVE in God the Father
-*- Almighty, Maker of heaven and
earth. And in JESUS Christ, His
Only Son, our Lord ; Who was con
ceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of
the Virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead,
and buried : He descended into
hell : the third day He rose again
from the dead : He ascended into
heaven, and sitteth on the right
hand of God the Father Almighty :
from thence He shall come to judge
the quick and the dead. I believe
in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic
Church, the Communion of Saints,
the Forgiveness of sins, the Resur
rection of the body, and the Life
everlasting. Amen.
Then is said aloud:
Verse. *| Make haste, O God,
to deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of "Alle
luia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
1 Prime is the first service of the Church for the day-time, Mattins and Lauds being for
the middle and close of night. Its proper hour is when the sun has fairly risen, and day
begun, which is reckoned to be about 6 A.M., about which time it is generally said in
choirs. Sometimes Mattins, Lauds, and Prime are said together early in the morning,
forming the complete morning service of the Church. It is from this aggregation that the
" Morning Prayer" of the Anglican Prayer Book is derived.
THE PSALTER.
Then is said the following :
HYMN. 1
IP HE star of morn to night succeeds,
-- We therefore meekly pray,
May God, in all our words and deeds,
Keep us from harm this day.
May He in love restrain us still
From tones of strife and words of ill,
And wrap around and close our eyes
To earth s absorbing vanities.
May wrath and thoughts that gender
shame
Ne er in our breasts abide,
And painful abstinences tame
Of wanton flesh the pride ;
So when the weary day is o er,
And night and stillness come once
more,
Blameless and clean from spot of earth
We may repeat with reverent mirth
To God the Father glory be,
And to His Only Son,
And to the Spirit, One and Three,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
The last verse is sometimes said thus,
altered in honour of the Incarnation :
JESU, the Virgin-born, to Thee
Eternal praise be given,
W T ith Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Here as it is in heaven.
Amen.
In Paschal time it is said thus, altered
in honour of the Resurrection :
To Father, Son, and Paraclete,
The slain and risen Son,
Be praise and glory, as is meet,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
// is also occasionally otherwise al
tered, which occasions are marked in
their places.
Then follow the Psalms. They are
all said under one Antiphon, and
when Five Antiphons have been said
at Lauds, the First of these Five
is the Antiphon at Prime, otherwise
that given here is used.
Antiphon. Alleluia.
Psalm LI 1 1..
[The superscription of this Psalm, after
some words which are probably a musical
direction, proceeds "[A Psalm] of David,
when the Ziphim came and said to Saul,
Doth not David hide himself with us?"
This was during the same period of his life
in the South in which he composed Ps.
Ixii. The Ziphim, or peasantry of the
neighbourhood of Ziph, betrayed him twice
to Saul, and both times, especially the first,
he was in imminent peril. I Kings (Sam.)
xxiii. 19-29, xxvi.]
SAVE me, O God, in Thy Name,
* and judge me in Thy
power.
Hear my prayer, O God : * give
ear to the words of my mouth.
For strangers are risen up against
me, and oppressors seek after my
soul : * and have not set God be
fore them. 2
Behold God is mine Helper : *
and the Lord upholdeth my soul.
Reward Thou evil unto mine
enemies : * and cut them off in
Thy truth.
I will freely sacrifice unto Thee :
* and praise Thy Name, O LORD,
for it is good.
For Thou hast delivered me out
of all trouble : * and mine eye
hath seen [my desire] upon mine
enemies.
The following Psalm, " O give thanks
unto the LORD," is said only on Sun
days, when the Office is of the Sunday,
nor is it said from Easter to Pentecost,
both inclusive. Moreover it is not said
on or after Septuagesima Stmday till
1 Another Ambrosian hymn. Translation by the late Card. Newman.
2 SLH.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
37
Easter, but then is substituted for it
Psalm xcii., " The LORD reigneth "
(given at the beginning of Lauds}.
Psalm CXVII.
[From some verses it seems as though this
Psalm was written for the Feast of Taber
nacles, and perhaps as a processional at the
entry of the King (David ?) into the place
of worship. The Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix the word Alleluia.]
OGIVE thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good : * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
Let Israel now say that He is
good : * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
Let the house of Aaron now say,
* that His mercy endureth for ever.
Let them now that fear the LORD
say, * that His mercy endureth for
ever.
I called upon the LORD in dis
tress : * and the LORD heard me
[and set me] at large.
The LORD is on my side : * I
will not fear what man can do
unto me.
The LORD is on my side : * and
I shall see [my desire upon] them
that hate me.
It is better to put confidence in
the LORD, * than to put confidence
in man.
It is better to trust in the LORD,
* than to trust in princes.
All nations compassed me about :
* but in the Name of the LORD ! *
I was avenged on them.
They compassed me about, yea,
they compassed me about : * but
in the Name of the LORD ! I was
avenged on them.
They compassed me about like
bees ; they burnt out as the fire
of thorns : * but in the Name
of the LORD ! I was avenged on
them.
They thrust sore at me, that I
might fall : * but the LORD helped
me.
The LORD is my strength and
my song, * and is become my
salvation.
The voice of rejoicing and salva
tion * is in the tabernacles 2 of the
righteous.
The right hand of the LORD hath
done valiantly. The right hand of
the LORD hath exalted me : * the
right hand of the LORD hath done
valiantly.
I shall not die, but live, * and
declare the works of the LORD.
The LORD hath chastened me
sore : * but He hath not given me
over unto death.
Open to me the gates of right
eousness ; I will go into them and
praise the LORD. * This is the gate
of the LORD, into which the righteous
shall enter.
I will praise Thee, for Thou hast
heard me, * and art become my
salvation.
3 The stone which the builders
refused * is become the head-stone
of the corner.
This is the LORD S doing : * and
it is marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day which the LORD
hath made : * let us rejoice and be
glad in it.
Save me now, O LORD ! O LORD,
send Thou prosperity. * Blessed
1 Probably a war-cry.
2 The allusion is to the ceremonial of the Feast of Tabernacles, Lev. xxiii. 42, "Ye shall
dwell in booths seven days."
3 These two verses were quoted by our Lord. Matth. xxi. 42; Mark xii. 10.
THE PSALTER.
be he that cometh in the Name of
the LORD ! l
We have blessed you out of the
house of the LORD. * God is the
LORD and hath showed us light :
Keep the solemn feast-day with
leafy boughs, * even unto the horns
of the Altar. 2
Thou art my God, and I will
praise Thee : * Thou art my God,
and I will exalt Thee.
I will give thanks unto Thee, for
Thou hast heard me, * and art be
come my salvation.
O give thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good : * for His mercy
endureth for ever.
Psalm CXVIII. 3
BLESSED are the undefiled in
the way, * who walk in the
law of the LORD.
Blessed are they that keep His
testimonies : * that seek Him with
the whole heart.
For they that work iniquity, *
walk not in His ways.
Thou hast commanded us * to
keep Thy precepts diligently.
O that my ways were directed *
to keep Thy statutes.
Then shall I not be ashamed, *
when I have respect unto all Thy
commandments.
I will praise Thee with upright
ness of heart, * when I shall have
learned Thy righteous judgments.
I will keep Thy statutes : * O
forsake me not utterly.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
^WHEREWITHAL shall a young
* * man keep his way ? * By
taking heed unto Thy word.
With my whole heart have I sought
Thee : * O let me not wander from
Thy commandments !
Thy word have I hid in mine
heart, * that I might not sin against
Thee.
Blessed art Thou, O LORD : * teach
me Thy statutes !
With my lips * have I declared
all the judgments of Thy mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Thy
testimonies, * as much as in all
riches.
I will meditate on Thy pre
cepts, * and have respect unto
Thy ways.
I will delight myself in Thy
statutes : * I will not forget Thy
word.
1 Notice that this is the very verse which was sung during the Palm Sunday procession.
The word Hosanna is a corruption of its third and fourth words viz., " Ho-shy ah na."
2 Lev. xxiii. 40. " And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees,
branches of palm-trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook ; and ye
shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days." As to the Feast of Tabernacles,
the Jewish tradition understands by "goodly trees" the citron, and by "thick trees" the
myrtle. Branches of willow were fastened to the corners of the altar.
3 This long poem in praise of the Divine Law, which the Church recites every day and
all day, is A B C Darian. Its 176 verses are divided into twenty-two sections, of eight
verses each, in each of which sections all the verses begin with the same letter of the
Hebrew alphabet. The first eight, therefore, begin with Aleph, which somewhat cor
responds to A.
4 Plere begins the letter Beth, somewhat represented by B.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
39
Continuation of the same Psalm.
T^VEAL bountifully with Thy ser-
*-^ vant, quicken me, * and I
will keep Thy word.
Open Thou mine eyes, * that I
may behold wondrous things out of
Thy law.
I am a stranger in the earth : *
hide not Thy commandments from
me.
My soul is an-hungered for the
longing that it hath unto Thy
judgments * at all times.
Thou hast rebuked the proud : *
they are cursed that do err from
Thy commandments.
Remove from me reproach and
contempt : * for I have kept Thy
testimonies.
Princes also did sit and speak
against me : * but Thy servant did
meditate on Thy statutes.
Thy testimonies also are my de
light, * and Thy precepts my coun
sellors.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
1X/TY soul cleaveth unto the
IV 1. ground : * quicken Thou
me according to Thy word.
I have declared my ways and
Thou heardest me : * teach me Thy
statutes.
Make me to understand the way
of Thy precepts : * so shall I talk
of Thy wondrous works.
My soul sleepeth for heaviness : *
strengthen Thou me according unto
Thy word.
Remove from me the way of lying :
* and grant me Thy law graciously.
I have chosen the way of truth :
* Thy judgments have I not for
gotten.
I cleave unto Thy testimonies, O
LORD : * put me not to shame !
I have run the way of Thy com
mandments, * since Thou hast en
larged mine heart.
The following Creed is only said on
Sundays whe7i the Office is of the Sun
day, and on Trinity Sunday. The ex
ceptions are Easter and Pentecost Sun
days, "when it is not said, because they
are treated as Festivals.
THE CREED OF ST ATHANASIUS. 3
WHOSOEVER willeth to be
safe, * before all things it
is necessary that he hold the
Catholic Faith.
Which faith except every one do
keep whole and undefiled, * without
doubt he shall perish eternally.
Now the Catholic Faith is this, *
that we worship One God in Trinity,
and Trinity in Unity.
Neither confounding the Persons,
* nor dividing the Substance.
For there is one Person of the
Father, another of the Son, * and
another of the Holy Ghost.
But the Godhead of the Father,
1 Here begins the letter Ghimel, answering partly to our G.
2 Here begins the letter Daleth, answering partly to our D.
3 The translation largely follows that in the Rev. A. E. Burn s Introduction to _ the
Creeds. The origin and date of this hymn have been the subject of much discussion.
" It is agreed that it was not written by St Athanasius, and that it was written in Latin."
In the opinion of Mr Burn the indications point to the South of Gaul as its place of origin,
and to the decade A.D. 420-430 as the period of its composition.
4 o
THE PSALTER.
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost
is One, * the Glory Equal, the
Majesty Co-Eternal.
Such as the Father is, such is the
Son, * and such is the Holy Ghost.
The Father Uncreated, the Son
Uncreated, * and the Holy Ghost
Uncreated.
The Father Infinite, the Son In
finite, * and the Holy Ghost In
finite.
The Father Eternal, the Son Eter
nal, * and the Holy Ghost Eternal.
And yet They are not Three
Eternals, * but One Eternal.
As also They are not Three Un
created, nor Three Infinites, * but
One Uncreated, and One Infinite.
So likewise the Father is Almighty,
the Son Almighty, * and the Holy
Ghost Almighty.
And yet They are not Three Al
mighties, * but One Almighty.
So the Father is God, the Son
God, * and the Holy Ghost God.
And yet They are not Three Gods,
* but One God.
So the Father is Lord, the Son
Lord, * and the Holy Ghost Lord.
And yet They are not Three
Lords, * but One Lord.
For, like as we are compelled by
Christian truth to acknowledge every
Person by Himself to be God and
Lord, * so are we forbidden by the
Catholic Religion to say, there be
Three Gods or Three Lords.
The Father is made of none, *
neither created, nor begotten.
The Son is of the Father alone :
* not made, nor created, but Be
gotten.
The Holy Ghost is of the Father,
and the Son : * not made, nor
created, nor begotten, but Pro
ceeding.
So there is One Father, not Three
Fathers ; One Son, not Three Sons ;
* One Holy Ghost, not Three Holy
Ghosts.
And in this Trinity is nothing
afore or after, nothing is greater or
less ; * but the whole Three Per
sons are Co -Eternal together, and
Co-Equal.
So that in all things, as is afore
said, * the Unity in Trinity, and
the Trinity in Unity is to be wor
shipped.
He therefore that willeth to be
safe, * let him thus think of the
Trinity.
But it is necessary to eternal
salvation, * that he also believe
faithfully the Incarnation of our
Lord JESUS Christ.
The right Faith therefore is, that
we believe and confess, * that our
Lord JESUS Christ, the Son of God,
is God and Man.
God, of the Substance of the
Father, Begotten before the worlds :
* and Man, of the substance of His
mother, born in the world.
Perfect God, Perfect Man, * of
a reasoning Soul and human Flesh
subsisting.
Equal to the Father as touching
His Godhead, * inferior to the
Father as touching His Manhood.
Who, although He be God and
Man, * yet He is not Two, but One
Christ.
One, however, not by conversion
of the Godhead into Flesh, * but by
taking of the Manhood into God.
One altogether, not by confusion
of Substance, * but by Unity of
Person.
For as the reasoning soul and
flesh is one man, * so God and
Man is One Christ.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
Who suffered for our salvation,
descended into hell, * rose again
the third day from the dead.
He ascended into heaven, He sit-
teth on the right hand of the Father,
God Almighty, * from whence He
shall come to judge the quick and
the dead.
At Whose coming all men shall
rise again with their bodies, * and
shall give account for their own
works.
And they that have done good
shall go into life eternal, * but
they that have done evil into
eternal fire.
This is the Catholic Faith, * which
except a man believe faithfully and
firmly, he cannot be safe.
Here is said the Doxology, "Glory
be to the Father, &c."
Antiphon. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alle
luia.
In Paschal time is said a fourth
^ Alleluia.
is said the Chapter.
CHAPTER, (i Tim. i. 17.)
T INTO the King Eternal, Im-
^ mortal and Invisible, the
only God, be honour and glory for
ever and ever. Amen.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then follows the Short Responsory.
Christ, Thou Son of the Living
God, have mercy on us.
Answer. Christ, Thou Son of the
Living God, have mercy on us.
Verse. Thou That sittest at the
right hand of the Father.
Answer. Have mercy on us.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Christ, Thou Son of the
Living God, have mercy on us.
Verse. l Arise, O Christ, and help
us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
This Responsory is occasionally al
tered, which alterations are given in
their proper places. From Low Sun
day inclusive till Ascension Day ex
clusive it is said thus:
Christ, Thou Son of the Living
God, have mercy on us. Alleluia,
Alleluia.
Answer. Christ, Thou Son of the
Living God, have mercy on us. Alle
luia, Alleluia.
Verse. Thou That art arisen
from the dead.
Answer. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Christ, Thou Son of the
Living God, have mercy on us. Alle
luia, Alleluia.
Verse. Arise, O Christ, and help
us. Alleluia.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake. Alleluia.
From Ascension Day inclusive till
Pentecost exclusive it is the same, ex
cept that instead of "Thou That art
arisen from the dead" is said:
Verse. Thou That art gone up
above the stars.
During the Octave of Pentecost it is
still the same except that this Verse is
said thus :
Verse. Thou That sittest at the
right hand of the Father.
1 Ps. xliii. 26.
VOL. in.
B 2
4 2
THE PSALTER.
After the Short Responsory follow
these prayers called the Preces, except
on Doubles and within Octaves, when
they are omitted down to the mark *.
1 Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
OUR Father (inaudibly), Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
I BELIEVE (inaudibly) in God
the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth. And in JESUS
Christ, His only Son, our Lord :
Who was conceived by the Holy
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead, and buried : He de
scended into hell : the third day He
rose again from the dead : He as
cended into heaven, and sitteth on
the right hand of God the Father
Almighty : from thence He shall
come to judge the quick and the
dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the Holy Catholic Church, the Com
munion of Saints, the Forgiveness
of sins. (Aloud.)
Verse. The Resurrection of the
body.
Answer. And the Life everlast
ing. Amen.
Verse. 2 And unto Thee have I
cried, O LORD.
Answer. And in the morning
shall my prayer come betimes be
fore Thee.
Verse. 3 Let my mouth be filled
with Thy praise.
Answer. That I may sing of Thy
glory, all the day long of Thy great
ness.
Verse. 4 O Lord, hide Thy face
from my sins.
Answer. And blot out all mine
iniquities.
Verse. Create in me a clean heart,
OGod.
Answer. And renew a right spirit
within me.
Verse. Cast me not away from
Thy presence.
Answer. And take not Thine
holy Spirit from me.
Verse. Restore unto me the joy
of Thy salvation.
Answer. And uphold me with
Thy free spirit.
Verse. 5 *J&lt; Our help is in the
name of the LORD.
Answer. Who made heaven and
earth.
The General Confession.
T CONFESS to God Almighty,
** to the Blessed Mary, always
a Virgin, to the Blessed Michael
the Archangel, to the Blessed John
the Baptist, to the Holy Apostles
Peter and Paul, and to all the
Saints, that I have sinned exceed
ingly in thought, word, and deed,
by my fault, by my fault, by my
most grievous fault. Therefore I
beseech the Blessed Mary, always
1 Greek Litany, signifying " Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy Lord, have mercy. *
2 Ps. Ixxxvii. 14. 3 Ps. Ixx. 8. 4 Ps. 1. 11-14. 5 p s- cxxiii. 8.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
43
a Virgin, the Blessed Michael the
Archangel, the Blessed John the
Baptist, the Holy Apostles Peter
and Paul, and all the Saints, to
pray to the Lord our God for me.
The Absolution.
ALMIGHTY God have mercy
on us, forgive us our sins,
and bring us to life everlasting.
Answer. Amen.
AY the Almighty and mer-
c if u i Lord grant us pardon,
absolution, and remission of all our
sins.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Office continues as follows :
Verse. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this
day.
Answer. To keep us without
sin.
Verse. Have mercy upon us, O
LORD.
Answer. Have mercy upon us.
Verse. O LORD, let Thy mercy
lighten upon us.
Answer. As our trust is in Thee.
Here the Office is resumed when the
Preces have been omitted.
* Verse. Hear my prayer, O
LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
LORD God Almighty, Who
hast safely brought us to the
beginning of this day, defend us
in the same with Thy mighty power :
and grant that this day we fall into
no sin, but that all our thoughts,
words, and works may be ordered
by Thy governance to do always
that is righteous in Thy sight.
Through our Lord JESUS Christ,
Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth
with Thee, in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, one God, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
If the Prime of the Little Office of the
Blessed Virgin Mary is to be said, it is
said now. Then is read the Martyr
ology of the morrow, if it be to be read,
the reader concluding with the words :
And in other places many other
holy Martyrs and Confessors and
holy Virgins.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
After which the Office proceeds thus : 1
Verse. 2 Precious in the sight of
the LORD.
Answer.
Saints.
Is the death of His
1\/T AY Holy Mary and all the
"* Saints plead for us with the
Lord, that we may worthily be
holpen and delivered by Him Who
liveth and reigneth for ever and
ever.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Verse. Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
1 Whether the Martyrology has been read or not. The Martyrology is never binding
out of Choir. 2 Ps. cxv. 6.
44
THE PSALTER.
Verse. Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is
now, and ever shall be, world with
out end. Amen.
Father (inaudibly\ Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Verse. x Look upon Thy ser
vants, O Lord, and upon the works
of Thine hands, and order the go
ings of their children.
Answer. And let the beauty of
the LORD our God be upon us,
and establish Thou the work of
our hands upon us, yea, the work
of our hands, establish Thou it.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. As it was in the be
ginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Let us pray.
OLORD God, King of heaven
and earth, may it please Thee
this day to order and to hallow, to
rule and to govern our hearts and
our bodies, our thoughts, our words,
and our works, according to Thy
law and in the doing of Thy com
mandments, that we, being holpen
of Thee, may here, and for ever
and ever, worthily be saved and de
livered by Thee, O Saviour of the
world, Who livest and reignest for
ever and ever.
Answer. Amen.
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
The Blessing.
The Lord Almighty order our
days and deeds in His peace.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Short Lesson. On all
Feasts, even Simples, and some other
days, this is the same as the Chapter
which is to be read at None, which will
be found in its proper place. On other
days one of the following is read, ac
cording to the Season of the year.
I. From the Octave of the Epiphany
till the First Sunday in Lent, and
from the Octave of Pentecost till
Advent Stmday, all exclusive.
2 Thess. iii. 5.
And the Lord direct your hearts
into the love of God, and into the
patience of Christ.
2. From Advent Sunday inclusive till
Christmas Eve exclusive.
Isa. xxxiii. 2.
O LORD, be gracious unto us :
for we have waited for Thee : be
Thou our arm every morning, our
salvation also in the time of
trouble.
1 Ps. Ixxxix. 1 6, 17.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
45
3. From the First Sunday i?i Lent in
clusive till Passion Sunday exclusive.
Isa. Iv. 6.
Seek ye the LORD, while He may
be found : call ye upon Him while
He is near.
4. From Passion Sunday inclusive till
Maundy Thursday exclusive.
Isa. 1. 6.
I hid not my face from shame
and spitting. The Lord GOD 1
will help me, therefore also shall
I not be confounded.
5. From Easter Sunday inclusive till
Ascension Day exclusive.
Col. iii. i.
If ye be risen with Christ, seek
those things which are above, where
Christ sitteth at the right hand of
God : set your affections on things
above, not on things on the earth.
When the Reader has finished the
Short Lesson, he says:
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Verse. Our help is in the name
of the LORD.
Answer. Who made heaven and
earth.
Verse. Bless ye.
Answer. May God [bless us].
The Blessing.
*J The Lord bless us, and keep
us from all evil, and bring us to life
everlasting; and may the souls of
the Faithful, through the mercy of
God, rest in peace.
Answer. Amen.
Lastly, unless some other Hour is to
follow immediately, the Lord s Prayer
is said inaudibly.
Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into tempta
tion ; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Note. When Office is said in Choir
the Service is ended with the Antiphon
of the Blessed Virgin Mary every time
the Choir is left. Otherwise it is only
said as given in this book, at the end of
Lauds (or the aggregation of which
Lauds forms a part) and Compline.
Feasts. The above Office appointed
for Sundays is also said on all Feasts
whatsoever, even Simples, and every
day in Paschal time.
PRIME ON WEEK-DAYS.
All the same as on Sunday, except as
otherwise given here.
Ordinary Antiphon during the
year. Blessed are they that walk.
In Advent the Antiphon is the First
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. As I live.
Antiphon for Passiontide. De
liver me, O Lord.
Psalm cxvii., "O give thanks unto
the LORD," is not said. On Saturday
it is simply omitted, and only the three
Feast-Day Psalms (viz. liii. and the two
first sections 0/"cxviii.) are said, btit on
the other days of the week one of the
Psalms following is put in its place.
1 The Divine Name.
4 6
THE PSALTER.
Psalm XXIII.
[Intituled " A Psalm of David." The
Vulgate and the LXX. add "for the first
day of the week."]
THE earth is the LORD S and
the fulness thereof; * the
world, and they that dwell there
in.
For He hath founded it upon the
seas, * and established it upon the
floods.
Who shall ascend into the moun
tain of the LORD ? * or who shall
stand in His holy place?
He that hath clean hands and
a pure heart, * who hath not
lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor
sworn deceitfully unto his neigh
bour.
He shall receive a blessing from
the LORD, * and mercy from the
God of his salvation.
This is the generation of them
that seek Him, * that seek the
face of the God of Jacob. 1
Lift up your gates, O ye princes,
and be ye lift up, ye everlasting
doors ! * and the King of glory
shall come in.
Who is this King of glory ? *
The LORD strong and mighty, the
LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your gates, O ye princes,
and be ye lift up, ye everlasting
doors ! * and the King of glory
shall come in.
Who is this King of glory ? *
The LORD of hosts, He is the
King of glory. 1
Psalm XXIV.
[Intituled "Of David." This Psalm is
ABC Darian.]
UNTO Thee, O LORD, do I lift
up my soul : * O my God,
I trust in Thee, let me not be
ashamed.
Neither let mine enemies triumph
over me : * for none that wait on
Thee shall be ashamed :
Let them be ashamed that
transgress * without cause.
Show me Thy ways, O LORD, *
and teach me Thy paths.
Lead me in Thy truth and teach
me; * for Thou art the God of
my salvation : and on Thee do I
wait all the day.
Remember, O LORD, Thy tender
mercies, * and Thy loving-kind
nesses, which have been ever of
old.
Remember not the sins of my
youth, * nor my transgressions :
According to Thy mercy remem
ber Thou me, * for Thy goodness
sake, O LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD ;
* therefore will He teach sinners
in the way.
The meek will He guide in judg
ment : * the meek will He teach
His way.
All the paths of the LORD are
mercy and truth, * unto such as
keep His covenant and His testi
monies.
For Thy Name s sake, O LORD,
pardon mine iniquity; * for it is
great.
PRIME, OK THE FIRST HOUR.
47
What man is he that feareth the
LORD ? * him shall He teach in the
way that He shall choose.
His soul shall dwell at ease : *
and his seed shall inherit the earth.
The LORD is a strong rock unto
them that fear Him ; * and His
covenant shall be made known to
them.
Mine eyes are ever toward the
LORD : * for He shall pluck my feet
out of the net.
Turn Thee unto me, and have
mercy upon me, * for I am desolate
and afflicted.
The troubles of mine heart are
enlarged : * O bring me out of my
distresses.
Look upon mine affliction and my
pain : * and forgive all my sins.
Consider mine enemies, for they
are many : * and they hate me with
cruel hatred.
O keep my soul, and deliver me :
* let me not be ashamed, for I put
my trust in Thee.
The undefiled and the upright
cleave to me : * for I wait on Thee.
Redeem Israel, O God, * out of
all his troubles !
j
Psalm XXV.
[Intituled "Of David."]
UDGE me, O LORD, for I have
walked in mine innocence : * I
have trusted also in the LORD ; I
shall not slide.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove
me : * try as by fire my reins and
mine heart.
For Thy loving-kindness is before
mine eyes : * and I have walked in
Thy truth.
I have not sat with vain persons,
* neither will I go in with wrong
doers.
I hate the congregation of evil
doers : * and will not sit with the
wicked.
I will wash mine hands in inno-
cency, * and I will compass Thine
Altar, O LORD.
That I may hear the voice of
thanksgiving, * and tell of all Thy
wondrous works.
LORD, I have loved the beauty of
Thine house, * and the place where
Thy glory dwelleth.
Make not my soul to perish with
sinners, O God, * nor my life with
bloody men :
In whose hands is mischief, * and
their right hand is full of bribes.
But as for me, I will walk in
mine innocence : * redeem me, and
be merciful unto me.
My foot standeth in uprightness :
* in the congregations will I bless
Thee, O LORD.
Psalm XXII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David."]
THE LORD is my Shepherd, I
shall not want. * He maketh
me to lie down in green pastures :
He leadeth me beside the still
waters. * He restoreth my soul :
He leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness, * for His Name s
sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil : * for Thou art with
me :
Thy rod and Thy staff * they
comfort me.
THE PSALTER.
Thou preparest a table before me,
* in the presence of mine enemies :
Thou anointest mine head with
oil : * and mine overflowing cup, O
how goodly is it !
Surely Thy mercy shall follow me
* all the days of my life :
And I will dwell in the house of
the LORD * for ever.
Psalm XXI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." It has
a musical (?) superscription, from part of
which it appears that it was written for a
tune called "The hind of the morning."]
1\/TY God, my God, look upon
* * ** me l : why hast Thou for
saken me ? * the voice of mine of
fences keepeth Thy deliverance far
from me.
O my God, I cry in the day-time,
and Thou hearest not : * and in the
night season and still it is not fool
ishness in me.
But Thou dwellest in holiness, *
O Thou Praise of Israel !
Our fathers trusted in Thee : *
they trusted, and Thou didst deliver
them.
They cried unto Thee, and were
delivered : * they trusted in Thee,
and were not confounded.
But I am a worm and no man : *
a reproach of men, and despised of
the people.
2 All they that see me laugh me to
scorn : * they shoot out the lip, and
shake their head :
He trusted in the LORD, let Him
rescue him : * let Him deliver him,
seeing He delighteth in him.
But Thou art He That took me
out of the womb : * Thou art mine
hope from my mother s breasts. I
was cast upon Thee from the womb :
Thou art my God from my
mother s belly. * Be not far from
me :
For trouble is near : * for there is
none to help.
Many bulls have compassed me :
* strong bulls have beset me round.
They gaped upon me with their
mouths, * as a ravening and a roar
ing lion.
I am poured out like water, * and
all my bones are out of joint ;
Mine heart is like melting wax *
in the midst of my bowels.
My strength is dried up like a
potsherd, and my tongue cleaveth to
my jaws : * and Thou hast brought
me into the dust of death.
For many dogs have compassed
me : * the assembly of the wicked
have inclosed me.
They pierced mine hands and my
feet : * they have told all my bones :
They look and stare upon me.
They part my garments among them,
and upon my vesture do they cast
lots.
But let not Thine help be far from
me ; O LORD, * haste Thee to save
me.
God, deliver my soul from the
sword : * my darling from the power
of the dog !
Save me from the lion s mouth ; *
and mine affliction from the horns of
the unicorns.
1 will declare Thy name unto my
brethren : * in the midst of the
congregation will I praise Thee.
1 The words "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" were quoted by our
Lord upon the Cross (Matth. xxvii. 46 ; Mark xv. 34).
2 Read Matth. xxvii. 39-44.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
49
Ye that fear the LORD, praise
Him : * all ye seed of Jacob, glorify
Him;
Let all the seed of Israel fear
Him. * For He hath not despised
nor abhorred the prayer of the
poor;
Neither hath He hid His face
from me : * but when I cried unto
Him, He heard me.
My praise shall be of Thee in the
great congregation : * I will pay my
vows before them that fear Him.
The poor shall eat and be satis
fied, and they shall praise the LORD
that seek Him : * their heart shall
live for ever.
All the ends of the earth * shall
remember and turn unto the LORD.
And all the kindreds of the na
tions * shall worship before Him.
For the kingdom is the LORD S :
* and He hath dominion among the
nations.
All they that be fat upon earth
shall eat and worship : * all they
that go down to the dust shall fall
down before Him :
My soul also shall live unto Him ;
* and my seed shall serve Him :
The generation to come shall tell
it unto the Lord : * and the heavens
shall declare His righteousness unto
a people that shall be born, whom
the Lord hath made.
In Advent the Antiphon is the First
Antiphon which has been said at Lands
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. l As I live,
saith the LORD, I have no pleasure
in the death of the wicked, but
rather that he turn from his way and
live.
Antiphon for Passiontide. 2 De
liver me, O Lord, and set me be
side Thee : and any man s hand
may fight against me.
CHAPTER. (Zech. viii. 19.)
LOVE peace and truth, saith the
Lord Almighty.
If the Preces have not been said at
Lauds, then the Preces are now said,
as on Sunday; but if the Lauds Preces
have been said, the following longer
form is used, all kneeling:
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
OUR Father (inaudibly}, Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer.
evil.
But deliver us from
Saturtiag.
Psalm cxvii. is simply omitted and
no other is substituted for it.
Ordinary Antiphon during the T BELIEVE (inaudibly) in God
year. Blessed are they that walk -*- the Father Almighty, Maker of
in Thy law, O Lord. heaven and earth. And in JESUS
1 Ezek. xxxiii. 1 1.
2 Job xvii. 3.
THE PSALTER.
Christ, His only Son, our Lord :
Who was conceived by the Holy
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead, and buried : He
descended into hell : the third day
He rose again from the dead : He
ascended into heaven, and sitteth
on the right hand of God the
Father Almighty : from thence He
shall come to judge the quick and
the dead. I believe in the Holy
Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints, the For
giveness of sins. (Aloud.}
Verse. The Resurrection of the
body.
Answer. And the Life everlast
ing. Amen.
Verse. And unto Thee have I
cried, O LORD.
Answer. And in the morning
shall my prayer come betimes before
Thee.
Verse. Let my mouth be filled
with Thy praise.
Answer. That I may sing of
Thy glory, all the day long of Thy
greatness.
Verse. O Lord, hide Thy face
from my sins.
Answer. And blot out all mine
iniquities.
Verse. Create in me a clean
heart, O God.
Answer. And renew a right spirit
within me.
Verse. Cast me not away from
Thy presence.
Answer. And take not Thine
Holy Spirit from me.
Verse. Restore unto me the joy
of Thy salvation.
Answer. And uphold me with
Thy free spirit.
Verse. x Deliver me, O LORD,
from the evil man.
Answer. And preserve me from
the wicked man.
Verse. 2 Deliver me from mine
enemies, O my God.
Answer. And defend me from
them that rise up against me.
Verse. Deliver me from the
workers of iniquity.
Answer. And save me from
bloody men.
Verse. 3 So will I sing unto Thy
Name for ever.
Answer. That I may daily per
form my vows.
Verse. 4 Answer us, O God of
our salvation.
Ansiver. Who art the confidence
of all the ends of the earth, and of
them that are afar off upon the sea.
Verse. Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Verse. 5 Holy God, Holy Mighty,
Holy Immortal.
Answer. Have mercy on us.
Verse. 6 Bless the LORD, O my
soul.
Answer. And all that is within
me, bless His holy Name.
Verse. Bless the LORD, O my soul.
Answer. And forget not all his
benefits.
Verse. Who forgiveth all thine
iniquities.
1 Ps. cxxxix. 2. 2 Ps. Iviii. 2, 3. 3 Ps. Ix. 9. 4 Ps. Ixiv. 6.
5 Called the " Trisagion " in the Eastern Church. Its legendary origin is that it was
learnt from angels by a boy who was carried up into the air during a tempest at Con
stantinople in the time of St Proclus (A.D. 434). It is probably much older than his
time. Photius thought it was adapted from Ps. xli. 2. 6 Ps. cii. 1-5.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
5 1
Answer. Who healeth all thy Answer. Thy youth is renewed
diseases. like the eagle s.
Verse. Who redeemeth thy life Verse.
Our help is in the
from destruction.
Answer. Who crowneth thee
with loving - kindness and tender earth,
mercies.
Verse. Who satisfieth thy desire
with good things.
name of the LORD.
Answer. Who made heaven and
Then is made the General Confession,
and all proceeds as on Sunday.
TERCE, OR THE THIRD HOUR. 1
ffice for eberg tfag in tfje
At the beginning of Terce the Lord s
Prayer and the Angelic Salutation are
said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we for
give them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
TTAIL, Mary, full of grace; The
-*- -* Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now, and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
Then is said aloud :
Verse. +fc Make haste, O God,
to deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of "Alle
luia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
The?i is said the following:
HYMN. 2
COME, Holy Ghost, Who ever One,
Reignest with Father and with
Son,
3 It is the hour, our souls possess
With Thy full flood of holiness.
Let flesh, and heart, and lips, and mind,
Sound forth our witness to mankind ;
And love light up our mortal frame
Till others catch the living flame.
Now to the Father, to the Son,
And to the Spirit, Three in One,
Be praise, and thanks, and glory given,
By men on earth, by Saints in heaven.
Amen.
The last verse is sometimes said thus,
altered in honour of the Incarnation :
JESU, the Virgin-born, to Thee,
To Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Be praise, and thanks, and glory given,
By men on earth, by Saints in heaven.
Amen.
1 The proper hour of Terce is 9 A.M., about which time it is generally said in
communities before the Community Mass.
2 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school. Translation by the late Card. Newman.
3 It was at this the third hour that the Holy Ghost descended on the day of Pente
cost. Acts ii. 15.
TERCE, OR THE THIRD HOUR.
53
In Paschal time it is said thus, al
tered in honour of the Resurrection :
JESU, our Risen Lord, to Thee,
To Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Be praise, and thanks, and glory given,
By men on earth, by Saints in heaven.
Amen.
// is also occasionally otherwise al
tered, which occasions are marked in
their places.
Then follow six sections of Psalm
CX VIII. They are all said under one
Antiphon, and when Five Antiphons
have been said at Lauds, the Second of
these Five is the Antiphon at Terce.
Otherwise those given here are used.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sundays ;
and for every day in Paschal time.
Alleluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week-days.
Lead me.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Second
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. Behold now
is the day.
Antiphon in Passiontide. O Lord,
Thou hast judged.
Continuation of Psalm C XVI I I.
il 1
TEACH me, O LORD, the way of
Thy statutes : * and I shall
keep it unto the end.
Give me understanding, and I
shall keep Thy law : * yea, I shall
observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of Thy
commandments : * for therein do I
delight.
Incline mine heart unto Thy testi
monies, * and not to covetousness.
Turn away mine eyes from be
holding vanity : * quicken Thou me
in Thy way.
Stablish Thy word unto Thy ser
vant, * that he may fear Thee.
Turn away my reproach, which I
dread : * for Thy judgments are
good.
Behold, I have longed after
Thy precepts : * quicken me in
Thy righteousness.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
LET Thy mercy come also unto
me, O LORD : * even Thy sal
vation, according to Thy word.
So shall I have wherewith to
answer him that reproacheth me :
* for I trust in Thy word.
And take not the word of truth
utterly out of my mouth : * for I
have hoped in Thy judgments.
So shall I keep Thy law contin
ually, * for ever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty : * for
I seek Thy precepts.
I will speak of Thy testimonies
also before kings : * and will not be
ashamed.
And I will delight myself in Thy
commandments, * which I have loved.
Mine hands also will I lift up
unto Thy commandments, which I
have loved : * and I will meditate
in Thy statutes.
1 Here begins the letter He, an aspirate, nearly represented by our H.
2 Here begins the letter Vau, variously attempted to be represented by V, W, U,
O, Oo.
54
THE PSALTER.
Continuation of the same Psalm.
T3 EMEMBER Thy word unto
"^ Thy servant, * upon which
Thou hast caused me to hope.
This is my comfort in mine afflic
tion, * that Thy word hath quickened
me.
The proud have behaved them
selves very wickedly : * yet have I
not turned aside from Thy law.
I remembered Thy judgments of
old, O LORD : * and have comforted
myself.
Horror hath taken hold upon me,
* because of the wicked that forsake
Thy law.
Thy statutes have been my songs
* in the house of my pilgrimage.
I have remembered Thy Name, O
LORD, in the night, * and have kept
Thy law.
This I had, * because I kept Thy
precepts.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
" I ^HOU art my portion, O LORD,
* * I have said that I would
keep Thy law.
I entreated Thy favour with my
whole heart : * be merciful unto me
according to Thy word.
I thought on my ways, * and
turned my feet unto Thy testi
monies.
I made haste, and delayed not
* to keep Thy commandments.
The bands of the wicked have
compassed me about : * yet have
I not forgotten Thy law.
At midnight I will rise to give
thanks unto Thee, * because of
Thy righteous judgments.
I am the companion of all them
that fear Thee, * and of them that
keep Thy precepts.
The earth, O LORD, is full of
Thy mercy : teach me Thy
statutes.
Continuation of the same Psalm.
T HOU hast dealt well with Thy
* servant, O LORD, * according
to Thy word.
Teach me goodness, and judg
ment, and knowledge : * for I have
believed Thy commandments.
Before I was afflicted, I went
astray : therefore now I have
kept Thy word.
Thou art good, * and in Thy
goodness teach me Thy statutes.
The proud have dealt very
wickedly with me : * but I will
keep Thy precepts with my whole
heart.
Their heart is curdled as milk : 4
* but I delight in Thy law.
It is good for me that Thou hast
afflicted me : * that I might learn
Thy statutes.
The law of Thy mouth is better
unto me, * than thousands of gold
and silver.
Here the Doxology^ " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
1 Here begins the letter Zain, answering to Z.
2 Here begins the letter Kh^th, a strong guttural, variously represented by Kh and Hh.
3 Here begins the letter Teth, represented by T.
4 " Gross as fat is their heart " (Leeser). The idea conveyed is that of stupidity.
TERCE, OR THE THIRD HOUR.
55
T^HINE hands have made me and
-*- fashioned me : * give me
understanding, that I may learn
Thy commandments.
They that fear Thee will be glad
when they see me : * because I have
hoped in Thy word.
I know, O LORD, that Thy judg
ments are right, * and that Thou
in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
Let Thy merciful kindness be for
my comfort, * according to Thy
word unto Thy servant.
Let Thy tender mercies come unto
me, that I may live : * for Thy law
is my delight.
Let the proud be ashamed, for
they dealt wrongfully with me with
out a cause : * but I will meditate
in Thy precepts.
Let those that fear Thee turn
unto me, * and those that know
Thy testimonies.
Let mine heart be undenled in
Thy statutes, * that I be not
ashamed.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sundays.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Antiphon for every day in Paschal
time. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week
days. 2 Lead me in the path of
Thy commandments, O Lord.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Second
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday , unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. Behold now
is the day of repentance, to redeem
sin, and save the soul.
Antiphon in Passiontide. 3 O
Lord, Thou hast judged the cause
of my soul. Thou hast redeemed
my life, O Lord my God.
Then follows the Chapter and the
Short Respo?isory. When they are not
given specially, one of the following is
used. After the Chapter is always an
swered, " Thanks be to God."
On Sundays, from the Third Sun
day after the Epiphany inclusive until
Septuagesima Sunday exclusive, and
from the Third Sunday after Pentecost
inclusive until Advent Sunday exclusive
are said the following, and the Respon-
sory is used moreover till the First
Sunday in Lent exclusive.
CHAPTER, (i John iv. 16.)
GOD is love : and he that dwell-
eth in love dwelleth in God,
and God in him.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
4 Incline mine heart unto Thy
testimonies, O God.
Answer. Incline mine heart unto
Thy testimonies, O God.
Verse. Turn away mine eyes from
beholding vanity : quicken Thou me
in Thy way.
Answer. Unto Thy testimonies,
O God.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Incline mine heart unto
Thy testimonies, O God.
Verse. 5 I said, LORD, be merci
ful unto me.
Answer. Heal my soul, for I
have sinned against Thee.
1 Here begins the letter Jod, variously represented by J, Y, I, Ee.
2 Ps. cxviii. 35. 3 Lam. iii. 58. 4 Ps. cxviii. 36, 37.
5 Ps. xl. 5.
THE PSALTER.
On ordinary Week-days throughout
the year are said the following :
CHAPTER. (Jer. xvii. 14.)
TT EAL me, O LORD, and I shall
J- J- be healed : save me, and I
shall be saved : for Thou art my
praise.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
Heal my soul, for I have sinned
against Thee.
Answer. Heal my soul, for I
have sinned against Thee.
Verse. I said, LORD, be merciful
unto me.
Answer. For I have sinned against
Thee.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Heal my soul, for I
have sinned against Thee.
Verse. * Be Thou mine Helper,
neither leave me,
Answer. Nor forsake me, O God
of my salvation.
In Advent are said the following (but
the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Jer. xxiii. 5.)
BEHOLD, the days come, saith
the LORD, that I will raise
unto David a righteous branch : and
a King shall reign in wisdom, and
shall execute judgment and justice
in the earth.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
Come and save us, O Lord God
of hosts.
Answer. Come and save us, O
Lord God of hosts.
Verse. 2 Cause Thy face to shine,
and we shall be saved.
Answer. O Lord God of hosts.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Come and save us, O
Lord God of hosts.
Verse. 3 The heathen shall fear
Thy Name, O LORD.
Answer. And all the kings of
the earth Thy glory.
In Lent are said the following (but the
Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Joel ii. 12, 13.)
ye to Me with all your
heart, with fasting, and with
weeping, and with mourning. And
rend your heart and not your gar
ments, saith the Lord Almighty.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
4 He hath delivered me from the
snare of the fowler.
Answer. He hath delivered me
from the snare of the fowler.
Verse. And from the noisome
pestilence.
Answer. From the snare of the
fowler.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. He hath delivered me
from the snare of the fowler.
Verse. He shall cover thee with
His wings.
Answer. And under His feathers
shalt thou trust.
1 Ps. xxvi. 9.
2 Ps. Ixxix. 4.
3 Ps. ci. 1 6.
4 Ps. xc. 3.
TERCE, OR THE THIRD HOUR.
57
In Passiontide are said the following
(but the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Jer. xvii. 13.)
LORD, all that forsake Thee
shall be ashamed : they that
depart from Thee shall be written
in the earth : because they have
forsaken the LORD, the fountain of
living waters.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
1 O God, deliver my soul from
the sword.
Answer. O God, deliver my soul
from the sword.
Verse. And my darling from
the power of the dog.
Answer. My soul from the sword.
O God, deliver my soul from the
sword.
Verse. O Lord, save me from
the lion s mouth.
Answer. And mine affliction
from the horns of the unicorns.
In Paschal time are said the following
(but the Chapter on Week-days only} :
CHAPTER. (Rom. vi. 9.)
/CHRIST, being raised from the
V- dead, dieth no more, death
hath no more dominion over Him.
For in that He died, He died unto
sin once ; but in that He liveth, He
liveth unto God.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
The Lord is risen from the grave,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Answer. The Lord is risen from
the grave, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Who hung for us upon
the tree.
Answer. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. The Lord is risen from
the grave, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. 2 The Lord is risen in
deed, Alleluia.
Answer. And hath appeared to
Simon, Alleluia.
After the Short Responsory, if the
Preces have been said at Lauds, all kneel
down and the following are said; but
if the Preces have been omitted at Lauds,
then these are also omitted down to the
mark *.
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Father (inaudibly\ Who
. art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from evil.
Verse. 3 Turn us again, O Lord
God of hosts.
Answer. And cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Verse. Arise, O Christ, and help
us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
Here the Office is continued when the
above has been omitted.
Ps. xxi. 21.
2 Luke xxiv. 34.
3 Ps. Ixxix. 8.
THE PSALTER.
* Verse. Hear my prayer, O
LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Here is said the Prayer for the day,
after which :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
If the Little Office of the Blessed
Virgin Mary is to follow immediately,
it is begun here, and what follows is not
said. Otherwise the Office ends thus :
Verse (said in a somewhat lower
voice). May the souls of the Faith
ful, through the mercy of God, rest
in peace.
Ansiver. Amen.
Lastly, unless Sext follow, the Lord^s
Prayer is said inatidibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we for
give them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Note. When Office is said in Choir
the Service is ended with the Antiphon
of the Blessed Virgi?i Mary every time
the Choir is left. Otherwise it is only
said as given in this book, at the end
of Lauds (or the aggregation of which
Lauds forms a part] and Compline.
Feasts. The above Office, appointed
for all Sundays and Week-days through
out the year, is likewise said on all
Feasts.
59
SEXT, OR THE SIXTH HOUR. 1
fitce for rfjerg tiag in tfje
At the beginning of Sext, the Lord^s
Prayer a?id the Angelic Salutation are
said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we for
give them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
TTAIL, Mary, full of grace; The
* ^ Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now, and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
Then is said aloud :
Verse. ^ Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is
now, and ever shall be, world with
out end. Amen. Alleluia.
From Septtiagesima Su?iday to
Maundy Thursday, instead of "Alle
luia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of Heaven.
Then is said the following :
HYMN. 2
OGOD, Who canst not change nor
fail,
Guiding the hours, as they roll by,
Brightening with beams the morning
pale,
And burning in the mid-day sky ;
Quench Thou the fires of hate and
strife,
The wasting fever of the heart ;
From perils guard our feeble life,
And to bur souls Thy peace impart.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Holy Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all glory, Three in One,
Be given in every time and place.
Amen.
The last verse is sometimes said thus,
altered in honour of the Incarnation :
Hear, JESU, Virgin-born, our cry,
W T ith Father and with Holy Ghost,
To Whom be praise, here as on high,
On earth as mid the Angelic Host.
Amen.
1 The proper hour for Sext is 12 noon. In Choirs it is generally said after the Com
munity Mass.
2 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school, with one word altered. Translation by the
late Card. Newman.
6o
THE PSALTER.
In Paschal time it is said thus, altered
in honour of the Resurrection :
To Thee, our Risen Lord, we cry,
With Father and with Holy Ghost,
To Whom be praise, here as on high,
On earth as mid the Angelic Host.
Amen.
// is also occasionally otherwise al
tered, which occasions are marked in
their places.
Then follow six sections of Psalm
CXVIIL They are all said under one
Antiphon, and when Five Antiphons
have been said at Lauds the third of
these Five is the Antipho?i at Sext.
Otherwise those given here are used.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sundays
and for every day in Paschal time.
Alleluia.
Ordinary Antiphonfor Week-days.
Hold Thou me up.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Third
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its ovvn.
Antiphon in Lent. Let us ap
prove ourselves.
Antiphon in Passiontide. O My
people.
Continuation of Psalm CXVIIL
MY soul fainteth for Thy salva
tion : * but I hope in Thy
word.
Mine eyes fail for Thy word, *
saying : When wilt Thou comfort
me?
For I am become like a wine
skin in time of frost : * yet do I
not forget Thy statutes.
How many are the days of Thy
servant ? * when wilt Thou execute
judgment on them that persecute
me?
The wicked have spoken lies
unto me, * which are not after Thy
law.
All Thy commandments are faith
ful : * they persecute me wrongfully,
help Thou me.
They had almost consumed me
upon earth : * but I forsook not
Thy precepts.
Quicken me after Thy loving-
kindness : * so shall I keep the
testimony of Thy mouth.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
ever, O LORD, * Thy word
is settled in heaven.
Thy faithfulness is unto all genera
tions : * Thou hast established the
earth, and it abideth.
The day continueth by Thine
ordinance : * for all things serve
Thee.
Unless Thy law had been my
delight, * then perchance I should
have perished in mine affliction.
I will never forget Thy precepts :
* for with them Thou hast quick
ened me.
I am Thine, save me : * for I
have sought Thy precepts.
The wicked have waited for me,
to destroy me : * but I considered
Thy testimonies.
I have seen an end of all perfec
tion : * but Thy commandment is
exceeding broad.
1 Here begins the letter Caph, a guttural variously represented by C, Q, Ch, &c.
2 Here begins the letter Lamed, answering to L.
SEXT, OR THE SIXTH HOUR.
61
Continuation of the same Psalm.
HOW I love Thy law, O Lord !
* it is my meditation all the
O
day.
Thou, through Thy command
ments, hast made me wiser than
mine enemies : * for they are ever
with me.
I have more understanding than
all my teachers : * for Thy testi
monies are my meditation.
I understand more than the an
cients, * because I keep Thy pre
cepts.
I have refrained my feet from
every evil way ; * that I might keep
Thy word.
I have not departed from Thy
judgments : * for Thou hast taught
me.
How sweet are Thy words unto
my taste ! * yea, sweeter than honey
to my mouth.
Through Thy precepts I get un
derstanding : * therefore I hate every
false way.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
" I ^HY word is a lamp unto my feet,
^ * and a light unto my path.
I have sworn, and am stedfastly
purposed, * to keep Thy righteous
judgments.
I am afflicted very much, O
LORD : * quicken me according to
Thy word.
Accept, I beseech Thee, the free
will offerings of my mouth, O LORD :
* and teach me Thy judgments.
My soul is continually in mine
hand : * yet do I not forget Thy law.
The wicked have laid a snare for
me : * yet I erred not from Thy
precepts.
Thy testimonies have I taken as
an heritage for ever : * for they are
the rejoicing of mine heart.
I have inclined mine heart to
perform Thy statutes always, * be
cause of the reward.
Contimiation of the same Psalm.
T HATE the unrighteous : * but
-* Thy law do I love.
Thou art mine Helper and my
Protector : * and in Thy word do
I hope.
Depart from me, ye evil-doers :
* for I will keep the commandments
of my God.
Uphold me according to Thy
word, and I shall live : * and let me
not be ashamed of mine hope.
Hold Thou me up and I shall be
safe : * and I will have respect unto
Thy statutes continually.
Thou hast trodden down all them
that err from Thy statutes : * for
their thought is falsehood.
I hold all the wicked of the earth
as liars : * therefore I love Thy
testimonies.
Make Thou my flesh to tremble
for fear of Thee : * for I am afraid
of Thy judgments.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
1 Here begins the letter Mem, answering to M.
2 Here begins the letter Nun, answering to N.
3 Here begins the letter Samech, somewhat represented by S.
62
THE PSALTER.
I
HAVE done judgment and jus
tice : * leave me not to mine
oppressors.
Be surety for Thy servant for
good : * let not the proud oppress
me.
Mine eyes fail for Thy salva
tion, * and for the word of Thy
righteousness.
Deal with Thy servant according
unto Thy mercy : * and teach me
Thy statutes.
I am Thy servant : * give me un
derstanding, that I may know Thy
testimonies.
It is time for Thee, LORD, to work :
* they have made void Thy law.
Therefore I love Thy command
ments * above gold and the topaz
stone.
Therefore did I turn to all Thy
commandments : * I hate every
false way.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sunday.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Antiphon for every day in Paschal
time. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week-days.
2 Hold Thou me up, O Lord, and I
shall be safe.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Third
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. Let us ap
prove ourselves in much patience, in
much fasting, by the armour of
righteousness.
Antiphon in Passiontide. 3 O My
people, what have I done unto thee,
and wherein have I wearied thee ?
Testify against Me.
Then follows the Chapter and the
Short Responsory. When they are not
given specially, one of the following is
used. After the Chapter is always an
swered, " Thanks be to God."
On Sundays, from the Third Sunday
after the Epiphany inclusive until Sep-
tuagesima Sunday exclusive, and from
the Fotirth Swiday after Pentecost in
clusive until Advent Sunday exclusive,
are said the following, and the Re
sponsory is used moreover tintil the
First Sunday in Lent, exclusive.
CHAPTER. (Gal. vi. 2.)
"DEAR ye one another s burdens,
*~* and so shall ye fulfil the law
of Christ.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
4 For ever, O LORD, Thy word is
settled [in heaven].
Ansiver. For ever, O LORD, Thy
word is settled [in heaven].
Verse. Thy faithfulness is unto
all generations.
Answer. Thy word is settled [in
heaven].
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. For ever, O LORD, Thy
word is settled [in heaven].
Verse. 5 The LORD is my Shep
herd, I shall not want.
Answer. He maketh me to lie
down in green pastures.
1 Here begins the letter Ayin, or Chain, as to the sound of which the learned are not
agreed.
2 Ps. cxviii. 117. 3 Micah vi. 3. 4 Ps. cxviii. 89. 5 Ps. xxii. i, 2.
SEXT, OR THE SIXTH HOUR.
On ordinary Week-days throughoict
the year are said the following :
CHAPTER. (Gal. vi. 2.)
"DEAR ye one another s burdens,
J- and so shall ye fulfil the law
of Christ.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
1 1 will bless the LORD at all
times.
Answer. I will bless the LORD
at all times.
Verse. His praise shall continu
ally be in my mouth.
Answer. At all times.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. I will bless the LORD
at all times.
Verse. The LORD is my Shep
herd, I shall not want.
Ansiver. He maketh me to lie
down in green pastures.
In Advent are said the following (but
the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Jerem. xxxiii. 16.)
TN those days shall Judah be
* saved, and Israel shall dwell
safely : and this is the name where
by she shall be called, The LORD
our Righteousness.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
2 Show us Thy mercy, O LORD.
Answer. Show us Thy mercy, O
LORD.
Verse. And grant us Thy sal
vation.
Answer. Thy mercy, O LORD.
1 Ps. xxxiii. 2. 2 Ps. Ixxxiv. 8.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Show us Thy mercy, O
LORD.
Verse. 8 Remember us, O LORD,
with the favour that Thou bearest
unto Thy people.
Answer. O visit us with Thy
salvation.
In Lent are said the. following (but
the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Isa. lv. 7.)
T ET the wicked forsake his way,
*~* and the unrighteous man his
thoughts, and let him return unto
the LORD, and He will have mercy
upon him ; and to our God, for He
will abundantly pardon.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
4 He shall cover thee with His
wings.
Answer. He shall cover thee
with His wings.
Verse. And under His feathers
shalt thou trust.
Ansiver. With His wings.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Ansiver. He shall cover thee
with His wings.
Verse. His truth shall be thy
shield.
Answer. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night.
hi Passiontide are said the following
(but the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Jerem. xvii. 18.)
T ET them be confounded that per-
*-* secute me, but let not me be
confounded ; let them be dismayed,
Ps. cv. 4.
4 Ps. xc. 4.
6 4
THE PSALTER.
but let not me be dismayed ; bring
upon them the day of evil, and de
stroy them with double destruction,
O Lord our God.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
1 O Lord, save me from the lion s
mouth.
Answer. O Lord, save me from
the lion s mouth.
Verse. And mine affliction from
the horns of the unicorns.
Answer. From the lion s mouth,
O Lord, save me from the lion s
mouth.
Verse. 2 Make not my soul to
perish with sinners, O God.
Answer. Nor my life with bloody
men.
In Paschal time are said the follow
ing (but the Chapter on Week-days
only] :
CHAPTER, (i Cor. xv. 20.)
~\JOW is Christ risen from the
-* ^ dead, the first-fruits of them
that sleep ; for since by man came
death, by man came also the res
urrection of the dead. For as in
Adam all die, even so in Christ
shall all be made alive.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia,
Alleluia.
Answer. The Lord is risen in
deed, Alleluia.
Verse. And hath appeared to
Simon.
Answer. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. The Lord is risen in
deed, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. 3 The disciples were glad,
Alleluia.
Answer. When they saw the
Lord, Alleluia.
After the Short Responsory, if the
Preces have been said at Lauds all kneel
down and the following are said, but if
the Preces have been omitted at Lauds
then these are also omitted, down to the
mark *.
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
OUR Father (inaudibly\ Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud?)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Verse. Turn us again, O Lord
God of hosts !
Answer. And cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Verse. Arise, O Christ, and help
us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
Here the Office is continued when the
above has been omitted.
* Verse.
Lord.
Hear my prayer, O
Ps. xxi. 22.
2 Ps. xxv. 9.
John xx. 2O.
SEXT, OR THE SIXTH HOUR.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Here is said the Prayer for the day,
after which :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O Lord.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
If the Little Office of the Blessed Vir
gin Mary is to follow immediately, it
is begun here, and what follows is not
said. Otherwise the Office ends thus :
Verse (said in a somewhat lower
May the souls of the Faithful,
through the mercy of God, rest in
peace.
Answer. Amen.
Lastly*, unless None follow, the Lord s
Prayer is said inaudibly.
Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Note. When Office is said in Choir
the Service is ended with the Antiphon
of the Blessed Virgin Mary every time
the Choir is left. Otherwise it is only
said as given in this book, at the end of
Lauds (or the aggregation of which
Lauds forms a part} and Compline.
Feasts. The above Office, appointed
for all Sundays and Week-days through
out the year, is likewise said on all
Feasts.
VOL. in.
66
NONE, OR THE NINTH HOUR. 1
JRce for eberg tiag in tyt
SEeeft.
At the beginning of None the Lord s
Prayer and the Angelic Salutation are
said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
HAIL, Mary, full of grace ; The
Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now, and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
Then is said aloud :
Verse. *%* Make haste, O God,
to deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of "Alle
luia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
HYMN. 2
OGOD, Unchangeable and True,
Of all the Light and Power,
Dispensing light in silence through
Every successive hour ;
Lord, brighten our declining day,
That it may never wane,
Till death, when all things round decay,
Brings back the morn again.
This grace on Thy redeemed confer,
Father, Co-equal Son,
And Holy Ghost, the Comforter,
Eternal Three in One.
Amen.
The last verse is sometimes said thus,
altered in honour of the Incarnation :
JESU, the Virgin-born, to Thee,
Eternal praise be given,
With Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Here as it is in heaven.
Amen.
1 The proper hour for None is 3 P.M., but in Choirs it varies.
2 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school, with one word altered,
late Card. Newman.
Translation by the
NONE, OR THE NINTH HOUR.
In Paschal time it is said thus, al
tered in honour of the Resurrection :
To Father, Son, and Paraclete,
The slain and risen Son,
Be praise and glory, as is meet,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
// is also occasionally otherwise al
tered, which occasions are marked in
their places.
Then follow six sections of Psalm
C XVI II. They are all said under one
Antiphon, and when Five Antiphons
have been said at Lauds, the Fifth of
these Five is the Antiphon at None.
Otherwise those given here are used.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sundays
and for every day in Paschal time.
Alleluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week-days.
Look Thou upon me.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Fifth
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon for Week-days in Lent.
Let us approve ourselves.
Antiphon for Week-days in Pas-
siontide. Did not they reward me
evil for good ?
Continuation of Psalm CXVIII.
a 1
PHY testimonies are wonderful :
* therefore doth my soul keep
them.
The unfolding of Thy words
giveth light : * yea, it giveth under
standing unto the simple.
I opened my mouth and panted :
* for I longed for Thy command
ments.
Look Thou upon me, and be
merciful unto me, * as Thou usest
to do unto those that love Thy
Name.
Order my steps in Thy word : *
and let not any iniquity have do
minion over me.
Deliver me from the oppression
of man : * and I will keep Thy
precepts.
Make Thy face to shine upon
Thy servant : * and teach me Thy
statutes.
Rivers of water run down mine
eyes : * because they keep not Thy
law.
The Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
T3IGHTEOUS art Thou, O
^^ LORD : * and upright are
Thy judgments.
Thy testimonies that Thou hast
commanded are righteous, * and
very faithful.
My zeal hath consumed me, *
because mine enemies have for
gotten Thy words.
Thy word is tried to the utter
most : * and Thy servant loveth it.
I am small and despised : * yet
do I not forget Thy precepts.
Thy righteousness is an ever
lasting righteousness : * and Thy
law is the truth.
Trouble and anguish have taken
hold upon me : * Thy command
ments are my delight.
The righteousness of Thy testi
monies is everlasting : * give me
understanding, and I shall live.
1 Here begins the letter Pe, represented by P. Ph. F.
2 Here begins the letter Tzade, represented by Tz or Ts.
68
THE PSALTER.
Continuation of the same Psalm.
P 1
T CRIED with my whole heart,
* hear me, O LORD : * I will
keep Thy statutes.
I cried unto Thee, save me : *
and I will keep Thy command
ments.
Before the dawning of the morn
ing, I cried : * for I hoped in Thy
word.
Mine eyes look up to Thee
early : * that I may meditate in
Thy word.
Hear my voice according unto
Thy loving-kindness, O LORD : *
and quicken me according to Thy
judgment.
They that persecute me draw nigh
to sin : but are far from Thy
law.
Thou art near, O LORD : * and
all Thy ways are truth.
Concerning Thy testimonies I
have known of old : * that Thou
hast founded them for ever.
The Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
/CONSIDER mine affliction, and
^ deliver me : * for I do not
forget Thy law.
Give judgment concerning me,
and deliver me : * quicken me for
the sake of Thy word.
Salvation is far from the wicked :
* for they seek not Thy statutes.
Great are Thy tender mercies, O
LORD : * quicken me according to
Thy judgments.
Many are my persecutors, and
mine enemies : * yet do I not turn
aside from Thy testimonies.
I beheld the transgressors, and
was grieved : * because they kept
not Thy word.
Consider how I love Thy pre
cepts, O LORD : * quicken me
according to Thy loving-kindness.
Thy word is true from the be
ginning : * and every one of Thy
righteous judgments endureth for
ever.
Continuation of the same Psalm.
PRINCES have persecuted me
without a cause: * but mine
heart standeth in awe of Thy word.
I will rejoice at Thy word, * as
one that findeth great spoil.
I hate and abhor wickedness : *
but Thy law do I love.
Seven times a day do I praise
Thee, * because of Thy righteous
judgments.
Great peace have they that love
Thy law : * and for them there are
no stumbling-blocks.
LORD, I hope for Thy salvation :
* and I love Thy commandments.
My soul hath kept Thy testimonies,
* and loved them exceedingly.
I have kept Thy precepts and
Thy testimonies ; * for all my ways
are before Thee.
The Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
1 Here begins the letter Koph, generally represented by Ch or Q.
2 Here begins the letter Resh, analogous to R, but concerning the precise sound of
which the learned are not agreed.
3 Here begins the letter Shin, somewhat represented by S and Sh.
NONE, OR THE NINTH HOUR.
6 9
M 1
T ET my cry come near before
" Thee, O LORD: * give me
understanding according to Thy
word.
Let my supplication come before
Thee: * deliver me according to
Thy word.
My lips shall utter praise, *
when Thou hast taught me Thy
statutes.
My tongue shall speak of Thy
word : * for all Thy commandments
are righteousness.
Let Thine hand help me : * for I
have chosen Thy precepts.
I have longed for Thy salvation,
LORD : * and Thy law is my de
light.
My soul shall live, and it shall
praise Thee : * and Thy judgments
shall help me.
I have gone astray like a lost
sheep : * seek Thy servant : for
1 do not forget Thy command
ments.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sundays.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Antiphon for every day in Paschal
time. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Al
leluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week-days.
2 Look Thou upon me, O Lord, and
be merciful unto me.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Fifth
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon for Week-days in Lent.
3 Let us approve ourselves in much
patience, by the armour of righteous
ness, by the power of God.
Antiphon for Week-days in Pas-
siontide. 4 Did not they reward me
evil for good ? for they digged a pit
for my soul.
Then follows the Chapter and the
Short Resppnsory. When they are not
given specially, one of the following is
used. After the Chapter is always an
swered: " Thanks be to God."
On Sundays, from the Third Sunday
after the Epiphany inclusive until Sep-
tuagesima Sunday exclusive, and front
the Third Sunday after Pentecost in
clusive till Advent Sunday exclusive,
are said the following, and the Respon-
sory is used moreover till the First
Sunday in Lent exclusive.
CHAPTER, (i Cor. vi. 20.)
T7OR ye are bought with a great
price. Glorify God, and bear
Him in your body.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
5 1 cried with my whole heart,
hear me, O LORD.
Answer. I cried with my whole
heart, hear me, O LORD.
Verse. I will keep Thy statutes.
Answer. Hear me, O LORD.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. I cried with my whole
heart, hear me, O LORD.
Verse. 6 Cleanse Thou me from
secret faults, O Lord.
Answer. Preserve Thy servant
also from the sins of others.
1 Here begins the letter Tau, corresponding somewhat to T or Th.
2 Ps. cxviii. 132. 3 2 Cor. vi. 4, 7.
5 Ps. cxviii. 145. 6 Ps. xviii. 13, 14.
4 Jer. xviii. 20.
THE PSALTER.
On ordinary Week-days throughout
the year are said the following:
CHAPTER, (i Cor. vi. 20.)
R ye are bought with a great
price. Glorify God, and bear
Him in your body.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
1 Redeem me, O Lord, and be
merciful unto me.
Answer. Redeem me, O Lord,
and be merciful unto me.
Verse. For my foot standeth in
uprightness.
Answer. And be merciful unto
me.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Redeem me, O Lord,
and be merciful unto me.
Verse. Cleanse Thou me from
secret faults, O Lord.
Answer. Preserve Thy servant
also from the sins of others.
In Advent are said the following (but
the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Isa. xiv. i.)
TTER time is near to come, and
* * her days shall not be pro
longed. For the LORD will have
mercy on Jacob, and Israel shall be
saved.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
2 The LORD shall arise upon thee,
O Jerusalem.
Answer. The LORD shall arise
upon thee, O Jerusalem.
Verse. And His glory shall be
seen upon thee.
Answer. Upon thee, O Jerusalem.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. The LORD shall arise
upon thee, O Jerusalem.
Verse. Come, O Lord, and make
no tarrying.
Answer. Pardon the sins of Thy
people.
In Lent are said the following (but
the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Isa. Iviii. 7.)
DEAL thy bread to the hungry,
and bring the poor that are
cast out to thine house : when thou
seest the naked, cover him, and
hide not thyself from thine own
flesh.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
His truth shall be thy shield.
Answer. His truth shall be thy
shield.
Verse. Thou shalt not be afraid
for the terror by night.
Answer. Thy shield.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. His truth shall be thy
shield.
Verse. 3 God hath given His
angels charge over thee.
Answer. To keep thee in all thy
ways.
1 Ps. xxv. II, 12.
2 Isa. Ix. 2.
3 Ps. xc. ii.
NONE, OR THE NINTH HOUR.
In Passiontide are said the following
(but the Chapter on Week-days only} :
CHAPTER. (Jer. xviii. 20.)
13 EMEMBER that I stood before
**V Thee, to speak good for them,
and to turn away Thy wrath from
them.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
1 Make not my soul to perish with
sinners, O God.
Answer. Make not my soul to
perish with sinners, O God.
Verse. Nor my life with bloody
men.
Answer. With sinners, O God.
Make not my soul to perish with
sinners, O God.
Verse. 2 Deliver me, O LORD,
from the evil man.
Ansiver. Preserve me from the
wicked man.
In Paschal time are said the follow
ing (but the Chapter on Week-days only]:
CHAPTER, (i Pet. iii. 18.)
CHRIST hath once suffered for
our sins, the Just for the un
just, that He might bring us to God,
being put to death in the flesh, but
quickened by the Spirit.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
3 The disciples were glad. Al
leluia, Alleluia.
Answer. The disciples were glad.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. When they saw the Lord.
Answer. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. The disciples were glad.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. 4 Abide with us, Lord.
Alleluia.
Answer. For it is toward even
ing. Alleluia.
After the Short Responsory, if the
Preces have been said at Lands, all
kneel down, and the following are said.
But if the Preces have been omitted at
Lauds, then these are also omitted down
to the mark *.
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Father (inaudibly), Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from evil.
Verse. Turn us again, O Lord
God of hosts.
Answer. And cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Verse. Arise, O Christ, and help
us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
Here the Office is continued when the
above has been omitted.
* Verse. Hear my prayer, O
LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
1 Ps. xxv. 9.
Ps. cxxxix. 2.
John xv. 20.
4 Luke xxiv. 29.
THE PSALTER.
Let us pray.
Here is said the Prayer for the day,
after which :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
If the Little Office of the Blessed Vir
gin Mary is to follow immediately, it
is begun here, and what follows is not
said. Otherwise the Office ends thus :
Verse (said in a somewhat lower
voice}. May the souls of the Faithful,
through the mercy of God, rest in
peace.
Answer. Amen.
Lastly, unless Vespers follow, the
Lord^s Prayer is said inaudibly.
Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into temp
tation ; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Note. When Office is said in Choir,
the service is ended with the Antiphon
of the Blessed Virgin Mary every time
the Choir is left. Otherwise it is only
said as given in this book, after Lauds
(or the aggregation of which Lauds
forms a parf) and Compline.
Feasts. The above Office, appointed
for all Sundays and Week-days throtigh-
out the year, is likewise said on all
Feasts.
73
at Jftattins.
THE SECOND DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sundays, except as other
wise given here.
Invitatory. O come, * let us sing
unto the LORD.
When this Invitatory is used the
Psalm begins with the words, " Let us
make a joyful noise."
Invitatory in Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, * Alleluia.
On Simple Feasts the Invitatory is
special.
On Simple Feasts the Hymn is special,
but on Week-days kept as such the fol
lowing is said from the Octave of the
Epiphany till the first Monday in Lent,
and from the Octave of Pentecost to Ad
vent. The Hymns for the other seasons
are given in the proper office of the
Seasons.
HYMN. 1
CLEEP has refreshed our limbs, we
P spring
From off our bed, and rise ;
Lord, on Thy suppliants while they
sing,
Look with a Father s eyes.
Be Thou the first on every tongue,
The first in every heart ;
That all our doings all day long,
Holiest ! from Thee may start.
1 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school,
late Card. Newman.
VOL. III.
Cleanse Thou the gloom, and bid the
light
Its healing beams renew ;
The sins, which have crept in with
night,
With night shall vanish too.
Our bosoms, Lord, unburthen Thou,
Let nothing there offend ;
That those who hymn Thy praises now
May hymn them to the end.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Only one Nocturn is said.
Antiphon. The LORD is the de
fence.
In Paschal time there is only one
Antiphon to the whole Nocturn, Al
leluia.
Psalm XXVI.
[Intituled Of David. " The Vulgate and
the LXX. add "before his anointing." See
2 Kings (Sam.) ii. 4. Monday, fifth week
after Pentecost.]
HHE LORD is my light and my
** salvation ; * whom shall I
fear?
The LORD is the defence of my
life : * of whom shall I be afraid ?
with two words altered. Translation by the
C 2
74
THE PSALTER.
When the evil-doers come upon
me, * to eat up my flesh,
Mine enemies that trouble me, *
they stumble and fall.
Though an host should encamp
against me, * mine heart shall not
fear.
Though war should rise against
me, * in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the
LORD, that will I seek after, * that
I may dwell in the house of the
LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the
LORD, * and to visit His temple.
For He hath hidden me in His
pavilion : * in the secret of His
tabernacle hath He hidden me in
the day of trouble.
He hath set me up upon a rock :
* and now hath He lifted up mine
head above mine enemies.
I will offer in His tabernacle
the sacrifice of joy : * I will sing,
yea, I will sing praises unto the
LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with
my voice : * have mercy on me and
answer me.
My heart said unto Thee, My
face hath sought Thee : * Thy face,
LORD, will I seek.
Hide not Thy face far from
me : * turn not away in anger from
Thy servant.
Be Thou mine Helper, * neither
leave me, nor forsake me, O God of
my salvation.
When my father and my mother
forsake me, * then the LORD taketh
me up.
Teach me Thy way, O LORD : *
and lead me in a plain path, because
of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over unto the will
of mine enemies : * for false wit
nesses are risen up against me, and
iniquity hath belied itself.
I believe that I shall yet see the
goodness of the LORD * in the land
of the living.
Wait on the LORD, be of good
courage : * and thine heart shall be
strengthened, wait, I say, on the
LORD.
Psalm XXVII.
[Also intituled " Of David."]
UNTO Thee will I cry, O LORD;
my God, be not silent to me :
* lest, if Thou be silent to me, I be
come like them that go down into
the pit.
Hear the voice of my supplica
tion, O Lord, when I cry unto Thee,
* when I lift up mine hands toward
Thine holy temple.
Draw me not away with the wick
ed : * and destroy me not with the
workers of iniquity.
Who speak peace with their
neighbour : * but mischief is in
their hearts.
Give them according to their
deeds, * and according to the wick
edness of their inventions.
Give them after the works of their
hands : * render to them their desert.
Because they regard not the works
of the LORD, or the operation of His
hands, * Thou shalt destroy them,
and not build them up.
Blessed be the LORD : * because
He hath heard the voice of my
supplication.
The LORD is my strength and my
shield : * mine heart trusted in Him
and I am holpen.
And my flesh greatly rejoiceth : *
and with my whole heart I will
praise Him.
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
75
The LORD is the strength of His
people : * and He is the saving
strength of His Anointed.
O Lord, save Thy people, and
bless Thine inheritance : * and gov
ern them, and lift them up for ever.
Antiphon. l The LORD is the de
fence of my life.
Second Antiphon. Worship.
Psalm XXVIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." The
Vulgate and the LXX. add "for the going
forth from the tabernacle, or ending of the
tabernacle," apparently meaning the con
clusion of the Feast of Tabernacles.]
IVE unto the LORD, O ye sons
of God : * give unto the
Lord young rams.
Give unto the LORD glory and
honour, give unto the LORD the
glory due unto His Name : * wor
ship the LORD in His holy courts.
The voice of the LORD is upon
the waters, the God of glory thun-
dereth : * the LORD is upon many
waters.
The voice of the LORD is power
ful : * the voice of the LORD is full
of majesty.
The voice of the LORD breaketh
the cedars : * yea, the LORD break
eth the cedars of Lebanon.
He smiteth them down as though
it were a calf in Lebanon, * and the
beloved [forest is felled] like a young
wild bull. 2
The voice of the LORD forketh
the flames of fire : * the voice of
the LORD shaketh the wilderness,
yea, the LORD also shaketh the
3 wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD maketh
the hinds to calve, and discovereth
the thickets : * and in His temple,
every one uttereth His glory.
The LORD fixeth the flood : * yea,
the LORD sitteth King for ever.
The LORD will give strength unto
His people : * the LORD will bless
His people with peace.
Psalm XXIX.
[Intituled "A song of rejoicing at the
opening of the house of David." The pal
ace, for the inauguration of which this song
was written, is thus mentioned in 2. King s
(Sam.) v. 9-i i. "So David dwelt in the
fort" (on Sion) "and called it the city of
David. And David built round about from
Millo and inward. And David went on,
and grew great ; and the LORD God of
Hosts was with him. And Hiram, King of
Tyre, sent messengers to David, and cedar-
trees, and carpenters, and masons ; and they
built David an house."]
T WILL extol Thee, O LORD, for
1 Thou hast lifted me up, * and
hast not made my foes to rejoice
over me.
O LORD my God, I cried unto
Thee, * and Thou hast healed me.
O LORD, Thou hast brought up
my soul from the grave : * Thou
hast saved me from being one of
them that go down into the pit.
Sing unto the LORD, O ye Saints
of His ! * and give thanks to the
memorial of His holiness.
For there is terror in His anger :
* and in His favour is life.
Weeping may endure for a night :
* but joy cometh in the morning.
1 Ps. xxvi. i.
2 The Hebrew is, He also maketh them to skip like a calf, Lebanon and Shiryon "
(oftener called Hermon) "like young wild cattle."
3 That is, the deserts to the south of Palestine, amid which is found the town of
Kadesh-Barnea.
7 6
THE PSALTER.
And I, in my prosperity I said :
I shall never be moved.
LORD, in Thy favour, * Thou hast
made my glory to stand so fast.
Thou didst hide Thy face from
me, * and I was troubled.
I cried unto Thee, O LORD : *
and unto my God I made supplica
tion :
What profit is there in my blood,
* when I go down to corruption ?
Shall the dust praise Thee, * or
shall it declare Thy truth?
The LORD heard me, and had
mercy upon me : * the LORD be
came mine Helper.
Thou hast turned for me my
mourning into rejoicing : Thou
hast put off my sackcloth, and
girded me with gladness.
To the end that my glory may
sing praise unto Thee, and may not
be silent : * O LORD my God, I will
give thanks unto Thee for ever.
Antiphon. l Worship the LORD
in His holy courts.
Third Antiphon. Deliver me.
Psalm XXX.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David" with the
same farther superscription as Pss. xii. xiii.
The Vulgate and the LXX. add " of haste "
or " distraction," meaning apparently that
David wrote it, on recovering from the
mental condition in which he had exclaimed
(v. 23), " I am cut off from before Thine
eyes. "]
IN Thee, O LORD, do I put my
trust, let me never be ashamed :
* deliver me in Thy righteousness.
Bow down Thine ear unto me : *
deliver me speedily.
Be Thou to me a God, a Pre
server, and an house of defence, *
to save me.
For Thou art my strength and
my refuge : * and for Thy Name s
sake Thou wilt lead me and nourish
me.
Thou wilt pull me out of the net,
that they have laid privily for me : *
for Thou art my Preserver.
2 Into Thine hands I commend my
spirit : * Thou hast redeemed me,
O LORD God of truth !
I have hated them that regard *
lying vanities.
But I trust in the LORD : * I will
be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy.
For Thou hast considered my
trouble : * Thou hast saved my soul
in adversity ;
And hast not shut me up into the
hand of the enemy : * Thou hast
set my feet in a wide place.
Have mercy upon me, O LORD,
for I am in trouble: * mine eye is
consumed with grief, my soul, and
my belly.
For my life is spent with grief, *
and my years with sighing.
My strength faileth because of
mine affliction, * and my bones are
consumed.
I was a reproach among all mine
enemies, and among my neighbours
specially, * and a fear to mine ac
quaintance.
They that did see me without fled
from me : * I am forgotten as a
dead man out of mind.
I am like a broken vessel : * for
I have heard the slander of many
on every side :
When they took counsel together
against me, * they devised to take
away my life.
1 Ps. xxviii. 2.
2 This verse was quoted by our Lord on the Cross, Luke xxiii. 46.
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
77
But I trusted in Thee, O LORD :
* I said : Thou art my God, my
lot is in Thine hand.
Deliver me from the hand of
mine enemies, * and from them that
persecute me.
Make Thy face to shine upon Thy
servant, save me in Thy mercy : *
let me not be ashamed, O LORD, for
I have called upon Thee.
Let the wicked be ashamed and
let them go down into the grave : *
let the lying lips be put to silence ;
Which speak grievous things
proudly and contemptuously *
against the righteous.
O how great is Thy goodness,
Lord, * which Thou hast laid up
for them that fear Thee !
Which Thou hast wrought for
them that trust in Thee, * before
the sons of men !
Thou shalt hide them in the
covert of Thy presence * from the
troubling of men.
Thou shalt keep them secretly in
Thy pavilion * from the strife of
tongues.
Blessed be the LORD : * for He
hath showed me His marvellous
kindness in a strong city.
For I said in mine haste : * I
am cut off from before Thine
eyes.
Nevertheless Thou heardest the
voice of my supplication, * when
1 cried unto Thee.
O love the LORD, all ye His
Saints : * for the LORD loveth truth
fulness, and will plentifully reward
the proud doers.
Be of good courage and let your
heart be strengthened, * all ye that
hope in the LORD.
Psalm XXXI.
[Intituled "A didactic (?) poem of David."]
1DLESSED are they whose trans-
*-* gressions are forgiven, * and
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom
the LORD imputeth not iniquity, *
and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Because I kept silence, my bones
waxed old, * while I groaned all the
day long.
For day and night Thine hand was
heavy upon me : * I turned in mine
anguish while the thorn was fastened
in me. 1
I acknowledged my sin unto
Thee : * and mine iniquity I hid
not.
I said : I will confess against
myself my transgression, unto the
LORD : * and Thou forgavest the
iniquity of my sin. 1
For this shall every one that is
godly pray unto Thee, * in a season
able time.
Surely in the floods of great
waters, * they shall not come nigh
unto him.
Thou art mine hiding-place from
the trouble that compasseth me : *
O Thou That art my joy ! deliver
me from them that compass me
round about. 1
I will give thee understanding,
and teach thee in the way which
thou shalt go : * I will keep Mine
eyes upon thee.
Be ye not as the horse and as
the mule, * which have no under
standing.
Whose mouths thou holdest fast
with bit and bridle, * else they will
not come unto thee.
1 SLH.
THE PSALTER.
Many sorrows shall be to the
wicked : * but he that trusteth in
the LORD, mercy shall compass him
about.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice,
ye righteous, * and shout for joy,
all ye that are upright in heart.
Antiphon. l Deliver me in Thy
righteousness.
Fourth Antiphon. Praise is comely.
Psalm XXXII.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
psalm " to David."]
13 EJOICE in the LORD, O ye
*^ righteous : * praise is comely
for the upright.
Praise the LORD with harp : *
sing unto Him with the psaltery
of ten strings.
Sing unto Him a new song : *
play skilfully unto Him with a loud
noise.
For the word of the LORD is
right : * and all His works are done
in truth.
He loveth mercy and judgment : *
the earth is full of the goodness of
the LORD.
By the word of the LORD were
the heavens made, * and all the
host of them by the breath of His
mouth.
He gathereth the waters of the
sea together as an heap : * He lay-
eth up the depths in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD :
* let all the inhabitants of the world
stand in awe of Him.
For He spake, and it was done :
* He commanded, and it was made.
The LORD bringeth the counsel
of the heathen to nought : * He
maketh the devices of the people of
none effect, and setteth aside the
counsel of princes.
But the counsel of the LORD
standeth for ever, * the thoughts of
His heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God
is the LORD, * the people He hath
chosen for His own inheritance.
The LORD looketh from heaven :
* He beholdeth all the sons of men.
From the set place of His habi
tation * He looketh upon all the
inhabitants of the earth.
He fashioneth the heart of every
one of them : * He considereth all
their works.
There is no king saved by the mul
titude of an host: * a mighty man is
not delivered by much strength.
An horse is a vain thing for safety :
* by his great strength he shall not
escape.
Behold, the eyes of the LORD are
upon them that fear Him, * and
upon them that hope in His mercy.
To deliver their soul from death,
* and to feed them in time of famine.
Our soul waiteth for the LORD : *
for He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him :
* because we have trusted in His
holy Name.
Let Thy mercy, O LORD, be upon
us, * according as we hope in Thee.
Psalm XXXI 1 1.
[Intituled "Of David, when he changed
his behaviour before Abimelech, who drove
him away and he departed." This incident
is thus described in I Kings (Sam.) xxi. 10.
" And David arose and fled that day for fear
of Saul, and went to Achish" (otherwise
called Abimelech) the King of Gath. And
1 Ps. xxx. 2.
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
79
the servants of Achish said unto him : Is
not this David the King of the land ? Did
they not sing one to another of him in
dances saying, Saul hath slain his thou
sands, and David his ten thousands ? And
David laid up these words in his heart, and
was sore afraid of Achish the King of Gath.
And he changed his behaviour before them,
and feigned himself mad in their hands,
and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and
let his spittle fall down upon his beard.
Then said Achish to his servants : Lo, ye
see the man is mad ; wherefore have you
brought him to me ? Have I need of mad
men, that ye have brought this fellow to
play the madman in my presence? Shall
this fellow come into mine house ? xxii.
David therefore departed thence, and es
caped to the cave of Adullam." This Psalm
is A B C Darian.]
T WILL bless the LORD at all
* times : * His praise shall con
tinually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in
the LORD : * the humble shall hear
thereof, and be glad.
magnify the LORD with me : *
and let us exalt His Name together.
1 sought the LORD, and He heard
me, * and delivered me from all my
distress.
Draw near unto Him, and be light
ened, * and your faces shall not be
ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the
LORD heard him, * and saved him
out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encampeth
round about them that fear Him, *
and delivereth them.
O taste and see that the LORD is
good : * blessed is the man that
trusteth in Him.
O fear the LORD, all ye His Saints :
* for there is no want to them that
fear Him.
The mighty lack and suffer hunger :
* but they that seek the LORD shall
not want any good thing.
Come, ye children, hearken unto
me : * I will teach you the fear of
the LORD.
What man is he that desireth life,
* that loveth to see good days ?
Keep thy tongue from evil, * and
thy lips from speaking guile.
Depart from evil and do good : *
seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are upon
the righteous : * and His ears are
open unto their cry.
But the face of the LORD is against
them that do evil, * to cut off the
remembrance of them from the earth.
The righteous cry and the LORD
heareth, * and delivereth them out
of all their troubles.
The LORD is nigh unto them that
are of a broken heart, * and saveth
such as be of a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the
righteous : * but the LORD will de
liver them out of all.
The Lord keepeth all their bones :
* not one of them shall be broken.
The death of sinners is grievous :
* and they that hate the righteous
shall be guilty.
The LORD redeemeth the souls of
His servants : * and none of them
that trust in Him shall be guilty.
Antiphon. l Praise is comely for
the upright.
Fifth Antiphon. Fight against
them.
Psalm XXXIV.
[Intituled " Of David."]
me right, O LORD, against
them that strive with me : *
fight against them that fight against
me.
Ps. xxxii. I.
8o
THE PSALTER.
Take hold of arms and buckler : *
and stand up for mine help.
Draw out also the spear, and stop
the way against them that persecute
me : * say unto my soul : I am thy
salvation.
Let them be confounded and put
to shame, * that seek after my soul.
Let them be turned backward and
brought to confusion, * that devise
mine hurt.
Let them be as dust before the
wind : * and let the Angel of the
LORD drive them.
Let their way be dark and slip
pery : * and let the Angel of the
LORD chase them.
For without cause have they hid
den for me the deadly trap of their
net : * without cause have they
digged a pit for my soul.
Let the snare come upon him at
unawares, and let his net, that he
hath hid, catch himself: * and into
that very snare let him fall.
And my soul shall be joyful in
the LORD : * it shall rejoice in His
salvation.
All my bones shall say : * LORD,
who is like unto Thee ?
Who deliverest the poor from
them that are too strong for him, *
the poor and the needy from them
that spoil him?
False witnesses did rise up, * they
laid to my charge things that I knew
not.
They rewarded me evil for good,
* to put all men far off from me.
But as for me, when they were
sick, * my clothing was sackcloth.
I humbled my soul with fasting :
* and my prayer shall return into
mine own bosom.
I behaved myself as though he
1 (Literally,) "
had been my friend or brother : * I
bowed down as one that mourneth
and is heavy.
But against me they rejoiced and
gathered themselves together : *
slanders were collected against me,
and I knew it not.
They disappeared, yet they ceased
not ; they assailed me, they laughed
me bitterly to scorn : * they gnashed
upon me with their teeth.
Lord, how long wilt Thou look
on? * Rescue my soul from their
destruction, my darling l from the
lions.
I will give Thee thanks in the
great congregation : * I will praise
Thee among much people.
Let not them that are mine ene
mies wrongfully rejoice over me, *
they that hate me without a cause
and wink with the eye.
For they spoke to me peaceably :
* but by their leasing they stirred
up the land to anger against me, yea,
they plotted against me.
Yea, they opened their mouth
wide against me : * they said, Aha,
Aha, our eyes have seen it.
This Thou hast seen, O LORD,
keep not silence : * O Lord, be not
far from me.
Stir up Thyself, and awake to my
judgment, * unto my cause, my God
and my Lord.
Judge me, O LORD my God,
according to Thy righteousness, *
and let them not rejoice over me.
Let them not say in their hearts :
Aha, Aha, so would we have it ; *
neither let them say : We have
swallowed him up.
Let them be ashamed and brought
to confusion together, * that rejoice
at mine hurt,
mine only one."
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
81
Let them be clothed with shame
and dishonour, * that magnify them
selves against me.
Let them shout fof joy and be
glad, that favour my righteous cause :
* and let them that have pleasure
in the prosperity of His servant
say continually, Let the LORD be
magnified.
And my tongue shall speak of
Thy righteousness ; * of Thy praise,
all the day long.
Psalm XXXV.
[Intituled " Of David, the servant of the
LORD," and a farther superscription not
now understood.]
r I ^HE wicked saith plainly in his
* own heart, that he will go on
still in sin : * there is no fear of
God before his eyes.
For he flattereth himself in his
own eyes, ** until his iniquity be
found hateful.
The words of his mouth are ini
quity and deceit : * he willeth not
to understand, that he may do
good.
He deviseth mischief upon his
bed : * he setteth himself in every
way that is not good, but he ab-
horreth not evil.
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the
heavens : * and Thy faithfulness
reacheth unto the clouds.
Thy righteousness is like the
mountains of God : * Thy judg
ments are a great deep.
O LORD, Thou preservest man
and beast : * How excellent is Thy
loving-kindness, O God !
And the children of men * shall
put their trust under the shadow of
Thy wings.
They shall be abundantly satisfied
with the fatness of Thine house, * and
Thou shalt make them drink of the
river of Thy pleasures.
For with Thee is the fountain of
life : * and in Thy light shall we see
light.
O continue Thy loving-kindness
unto them that know Thee, * and
Thy righteousness to the upright in
heart.
Let not the foot of pride come
against me : * and let not the hand
of the wicked remove me.
There are the workers of iniquity
fallen : * they are cast out, neither
are they able to stand.
Antiphon. 1 Fight against them
that fight against me.
Sixth Antiphon. Show.
Psalm XXXVI.
[Intituled "Of David." It is A B C
Darian ; the first, third, and fifth verses, and
so on, begin with the corresponding letters
of the alphabet.]
T7RET not thyself because of the
evil-doers : * neither be thou
envious against the workers of
iniquity.
For they shall soon dry up like
the grass, * and wither quickly as
the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good :
* and dwell in the land, and thou
shalt be fed with the riches thereof.
Delight thyself in the LORD : *
and He shall give thee the desires
of thine heart.
Show thy way unto the LORD,
trust also in Him : * and He shall
bring it to pass.
And He shall bring forth thy
1 Ps. xxxiv. I.
82
THE PSALTER.
righteousness as the light, and thy
judgment as the noon-day : * rest in
the LORD, and make thy prayer unto
Him.
Fret not thyself because of him
that prospereth in his way, * be
cause of the man that bringeth
wicked devices to pass.
Cease from anger and forsake
wrath : * fret not thyself to do evil.
For evil-doers shall be cut off: *
but those that wait upon the LORD,
they shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while, and the
wicked shall not be : * yea, thou
shalt search for his place, and thou
shalt not find it.
1 But the meek shall inherit the
earth : * and shall delight themselves
in the abundance of peace.
The wicked plotteth against the
just, * and gnasheth upon him with
his teeth.
But the Lord shall laugh at him :
* for He seeth that his day is
coming.
The wicked have drawn out the
sword, * they have bent their bow,
To cast down the poor and the
needy, * to slay such as be upright
of heart.
Their sword shall enter into their
own hearts : * and their bow shall be
broken.
A little that a righteous man hath
* is better than great riches of the
wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall
be broken ; * but the LORD up-
holdeth the righteous.
The LORD knoweth the days of
the undefiled : * and their inheri
tance shall be for ever.
They shall not be ashamed in the
evil time, and in the days of famine
1 Matth. v. 4 seems
they shall be satisfied : * for the
wicked shall perish.
Yea, the enemies of the LORD,
no sooner than they be honourable
and exalted, * shall pass away, yea,
pass away like smoke.
The wicked borroweth and pay-
eth not again : * but the righteous
showeth mercy and giveth.
For such as bless him shall in
herit the earth : * but they that
curse him shall be cut off.
The steps of a [good] man are
ordered by the LORD : * and He de-
lighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be
utterly cast down : * for the LORD
upholdeth him with His hand.
I have been young, and now am
old : * yet have I not seen the
righteous forsaken, nor his seed
begging bread.
He is ever merciful and lendeth :
* and his seed shall be blessed.
Depart from evil and do good : *
and dwell for evermore.
For the LORD loveth judgment,
and forsaketh not His saints : * they
shall be preserved for ever.
The unrighteous shall be pun
ished : * and the seed of the wicked
shall be cut off.
But the righteous shall inherit the
land : * and dwell therein for ever.
The mouth of the righteous speak-
eth wisdom, * and his tongue talketh
judgment.
The law of his God is in his
heart, * none of his steps shall
slide.
The wicked watcheth the right
eous, * and seeketh to slay him.
But the LORD will not leave him
in his hands, * nor condemn him
when he is judged,
to be quoted from this.
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
Wait on the LORD and keep His
way, and He shall exalt thee, to in
herit the land : * when the wicked
are cut off thou shalt see it.
I have seen the wicked in great
power, * and exalted like a cedar in
Lebanon.
And I passed by, and, lo, he was
not : * and I sought him, and his
place was not found.
Keep innocency, and look to the
thing that is right : * for the peace
maker shall have a reward here
after.
But the transgressors shall be cut
off together : * the end of the wicked
is destruction.
But the salvation of the righteous
is of the LORD : * and He is their
strength in the time of trouble.
And the LORD shall help them,
and deliver them : * He shall de
liver them from the wicked, and
save them, because they trust in
Him.
Psalm XXXVII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." It has
a further superscription of (now) unknown
meaning. The Vulgate and the LXX. con
nect it with the Sabbath.]
LORD, rebuke me not in Thy
wrath, * neither chasten me
in Thine hot displeasure.
For Thine arrows stick fast in
me : * and Thou hast laid Thine
hand heavily upon me.
There is no soundness in my
flesh, because of Thine anger : *
neither is there any rest in my bones
because of my sins.
For mine iniquities are gone over
mine head : * and as an heavy bur
then they are too heavy for me.
My wounds stink and are cor
rupt, * because of my foolishness.
I am troubled and bowed down
exceedingly : * I go mourning all
the day long.
For my loins are filled with a
loathsome disease : * and there is
no soundness in my flesh.
I am feeble and sore broken : *
I groan aloud by reason of the dis-
quietness of mine heart.
Lord, all my desire is before
Thee : * and my groaning is not hid
from Thee.
Mine heart panteth, my strength
faileth me : * as for the light of
mine eyes, it also is gone from
me.
My friends and my neighbours *
draw near, and stand over against
me.
And they that are nearest to me
stand afar off: * they also that
sought after my life have used
violence against me.
And they that seek mine hurt have
spoken mischievous things, * and
imagined falsehoods all the day
long.
But I, as a deaf man, hear not, *
and as a dumb man that openeth
not his mouth.
Thus I was as a man that heareth
not, * and in whose mouth are no
reproofs.
For in Thee, O LORD, do I
hope : * Thou wilt hear me, O Lord
my God !
For I said : Let not mine ene
mies rejoice over me : * when my
feet slip they magnify themselves
against me.
For I am ready for the scourges :
* and my sorrow is continually be
fore me.
For I will declare mine iniquity,
* and think upon my sin.
But mine enemies are lively, and
8 4
THE PSALTER.
they are strengthened against me : *
and they that hate me wrongfully
are many.
They that render evil for good
speak against me, * because I have
followed goodness.
Forsake me not, O LORD my
God : * be not far from me.
Make haste to help me, * O
Lord God of my salvation !
Antiphon. l Show thy way unto
the LORD.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. 2 Out of Zion, the Perfec
tion of beauty,
Answer. Our God shall come
manifestly.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 3 Thy mercy, O LORD, is
in the heavens.
Answer. And thy faithfulness
reacheth unto the clouds.
In Lent.
Verse. 4 He hath delivered me
from the snare of the fowler.
Answer. And from the noisome
pestilence.
In Passion time.
Verse. 5 O God, deliver my soul
from the sword.
Answer. And my darling from
the power of the dog.
1 Ps. xxxvi. 5.
4 Ps. xc. 3.
7 Ps. viii. 6, 7.
2 Ps. xlix.
5 Ps. xxi.
8 Ps. xxxi,
In Paschal time.
Verse. The Lord is risen from
the grave, Alleluia.
Answer. Who hung for us upon
the tree, Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the First Noc-
turn of the preceding Sunday, only the
Lessons and sometimes the Responsories
are those of the day.
Simple Feasts. It is to be remem
bered that when a Simple Feast is kept
on Monday, the Invitatory and Hymn
are of the Feast, being taken from the
Common of Saints of the class, unless
specially given. Then the Psalms and
Antiphons of the week-day, as given
above. Then is said a Verse and
Answer as follow :
In the Simple Office for one or many
Martyrs in Paschal time.
Verse. O ye saints and right
eous, rejoice in the Lord, Alleluia.
Answer. Q God hath chosen you
for His own inheritance. Alleluia.
In the Simple Office for one Martyr
{out of Paschal time}.
Verse. 7 Thou hast crowned him
with glory and honour, O Lord.
Answer. And madest him to
have dominion over the works of
Thine hands.
In the Simple Office for many Martyrs
(put of Paschal time).
Verse. 8 Be glad in the LORD,
and rejoice, ye righteous.
Answer. And shout for joy, all
ye that are upright in heart.
In the Simple Office for Confessors
(whether Bishops or not}.
Verse. 9 The Lord loved him and
beautified him.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
2, 3. 3 Ps. xxxv. 6.
21. 6 Ps. xxxii. 12.
,11. 9 Ecclus. xlv. 9.
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
Answer. And clothed him with
a robe of glory.
[/# Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
/// the Simple Office for one Holy
Woman, of any class.
Verse. 1 In thy comeliness and
thy beauty.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. Go forward, fare pros
perously and reign.
[/;/ Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
The others, as well as what follows,
to the end of the service, are taken from
the First Nocturn of the Office Common
to Saints of the class, unless something
special be appointed. The Lessons are
arranged according to the rules in
Chapter xxvi. 4, of the general Rubrics.
The Hymn, "We praise Thee, O God,"
is said at the end, instead of a third
Responsory. The Responsories are
arranged according to the rules in
Chapter xxvii. 4, of the general Rubrics.
Thus :
The Lord s Prayer is said :
Father (inaudibly], Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Then this Absolution :
/^RACIOUSLY hear, O Lord
^^ Jesus Christ, the prayers of
Thy servants, and have mercy
upon us : Who livest and reignest
with the Father, and the Holy
Ghost, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be from
Scripture.
May the Eternal Father bless us
With an everlasting blessing.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be of an
Homily.
May the Gospel s saving Lord
Bless the reading of His Word.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing on a Simple Feast.
May His blessing be upon us
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the First Lesson from
Scripture or from the Homily, or on a
Simple Feast either the First from
Scripture, or, if the Saint or Saints
have two Lessons, the whole three from
Scripture read together as one.
Then the First Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the First Responsory of
the preceding Sunday. On a Simple
Feast, the first Responsory in the Com
mon Office for the class to which the
Saint belongs.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May the Son the Sole-begotten
In His mercy bless and help us.
Answer. Amen.
Ps. xliv. 5.
86
THE PSALTER.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be from
an Homily.
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Second Blessing, for a Simple Feast.
He (or she or they) whose feast-day
we are keeping
Plead for us before the Lord.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Second Lesson, either
from Scripture or from an Homily, or
on a Simple Feast either the Seco?id
and Third Lessons from Scripture
read together as one, or if the Saint
or Saints have two Lessons, the first
of these.
Then the Second Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the Second Responsory
of the preceding Sunday, but in Paschal
time there is added to it :
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
And the Answer of the
repeated agai7i.
onsory is
On a Simple Feast the Second Res
ponsory in the Common Office for the
class to which the Saint belongs, with
the addition of "Glory be" to the
Father," &&amp;gt;., and the repetition of
the Answer.
The?i the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Third Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May the grace of God the Spirit
All our heart and mind enlighten.
Answer. Amen.
Third Blessing, for a Simple Feast, or
if the Lesson be from an Homily.
May He That is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Third Lesson either
from Scripture, or of the Homily, or on
Simple Feasts the Second or only Lesson
of the Saint.
Then, on Simple Feasts and on any
day in Paschal time is said the Hym?i,
"We praise Thee, O God." But on
week-days kept as such out of Paschal
time the Third Responsory of the pre
ceding Sunday.
}) lit JJ
THE SECOND DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as other
wise given here.
The Psaluis are as follows :
Antiphon. Have mercy.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Upon me, O
God."
Psalm L.
[This Psalm has a musical (?) superscrip
tion, and the title then proceeds, "A Psalm
of David, when Nathan the Prophet came
unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-
sheba." The whole history is in 2 Kings
(Sam.) xi. xii. (Saturday, 5th week after
Pentecost, and 6th Sunday.)]
HAVE mercy upon me, O God,
* after Thy great mercy :
And according to the multitude
of Thy tender mercies * blot out my
transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from mine
iniquity : * and cleanse me from my
sin.
For I acknowledge my trans
gression : * and my sin is ever
before me.
Against Thee, Thee only, have I
sinned, and done evil in Thy sight :
* that Thou mightest be justified
when Thou speakest, and be clear
when Thou art judged.
For behold, I was shapen in in
iquity : * and in sin did my mother
conceive me.
For behold Thou desirest truth :
* the hidden secrets of Thy wisdom
Thou hast made manifest unto me.
Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I
shall be clean : * wash me, and I
shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and glad
ness : * that the bones which Thou
hast broken may rejoice.
Hide Thy face from my sins : *
and blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O
God : * and renew a right spirit
within me.
Cast me not away from Thy
presence : * and take not Thine
holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy
salvation : * and uphold me with
Thy free Spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors
Thy ways : * and sinners shall be
converted unto Thee.
Deliver me from blood-guiltiness,
O God, Thou God of my salvation :
* and my tongue shall sing aloud x
of Thy righteousness.
O LORD, open Thou my lips, *
1 So the Hebrew, the LXX. , and all the versions, including Doway, but the Latin
text has the curious mistake of exultabit for exaltabit.
88
THE PSALTER.
and my mouth shall show forth Thy
praise.
For Thou desirest not sacrifice,
else would I give it : * Thou de-
lightest not in burnt-offering.
The sacrifice of God is a broken
spirit : * a broken and a contrite
heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.
Do good in Thy good pleasure
unto Zion : * to build the walls of
Jerusalem.
Then shalt Thou be pleased with
the sacrifices of righteousness, with
burnt-offering and whole burnt-offer
ing : * then shall they offer bullocks
upon Thine altar.
Antiphon. Have mercy upon me,
O God.
Second Antiphon. Consider.
Psalm V.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
musical (?) superscription.]
GIVE ear unto my words, O
LORD, * consider my suppli
cation.
Hearken unto the voice of my cry,
* my King and my God !
For unto Thee will I pray. * O
LORD, in the morning Thou shalt
hear my voice :
In the morning will I stand before
Thee and look up. * For Thou art
not a God that hath pleasure in
wickedness :
Neither shall the evil dwell with
Thee, * nor the unrighteous stand
in Thy sight :
Thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
* Thou shalt destroy all them that
speak leasing :
The LORD abhorreth the bloody
and deceitful man. * But as for me,
in the multitude of Thy mercy
I will come into Thine house : *
I will worship toward Thine holy
temple in Thy fear.
Lead me, O LORD, in Thy
righteousness, * because of mine
enemies ; make my way straight
before Thy face.
For there is no faithfulness in
their mouth : * their inward part
is very wickedness.
Their throat is an open sepulchre ;
they flatter with their tongue. *
Judge Thou them, O God!
Let them fall by their own coun
sels ; cast them out in the multi
tude of their transgressions, * for
they have rebelled against Thee, O
Lord!
And let all those that put their
trust in Thee, rejoice : * let them
ever shout for joy, because Thou
dwellest in them :
Let them also that love Thy Name
be joyful in Thee. * For Thou wilt
bless the righteous.
O LORD, Thou hast compassed
us * with Thy favour as with a
shield.
Antiphon. Consider my suppli
cation, O Lord.
Third Antiphon. O God, Thou
art my God.
If this Antiphon is used, the Psalm
begins with the words, "Early will I
seek Thee."
Psalms LXIL, LXVI.
O God, Thou art my God, &c.
(A 23).
Antiphon. O God, Thou art my
God, early will I seek Thee.
Fourth Antiphon. Thine anger
is turned away.
MONDAY AT LAUDS.
8 9
THE SONG OF ISAIAH THE PROPHET.
[Isa. xii. i. The description of the res
toration of Israel in Isa. xi. (Second Sun
day in Advent) is continued to the end
of that Chapter, and this Song is then
introduced by the words, "And in that
day thou shalt say : "]
LORD, I will praise Thee,
though Thou wast angry with
me, * Thine anger is turned away,
and Thou comfortest me.
Behold, God is my salvation : *
I will trust and not be afraid :
For the LORD is my strength
and my song : * He also is become
my salvation.
Therefore with joy shall ye draw
water out of the wells of the Saviour:
* and in that day shall ye say :
Praise the LORD and call upon His
Name !
Declare His doings among the
people, * tell them that His Name
is exalted.
Sing unto the LORD, for He hath
done glorious things : * make ye
this known in all the earth.
Cry aloud and shout, thou inhabi
tant of Zion : * for great is the
Holy One of Israel in the midst of
thee !
Antiphon. Thine anger is turned
away, and Thou comfortest me.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise ye.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the -words "the LORD
from the heavens."
Psalms CXLVIII., CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD from the
heavens, &c. (pp. 25, 26).
Antiphon. Praise ye the LORD
from the heavens.
From Advent Sunday till the Octave
of the Epiphany and from the First
Sunday in Lent till the Octave of Pente
cost special Chapters are given. At
other times the following is said on all
week-days observed as such.
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
HP HE night is far spent, the day
*- is at hand : let us therefore
cast off the works of darkness, and
let us put on the armour of light :
let us walk honestly as in the day.
HYMN. 1
OF the Father Effluence bright,
Out of Light evolving light,
Light from Light, unfailing Ray,
Day creative of the day.
Truest Sun, upon us stream
With Thy calm perpetual beam,
In the Spirit s still sunshine
Making sense and thought divine.
Seek we too the Father s face,
Father of almighty grace,
And of majesty excelling,
Who can purge our tainted dwelling ;
Who can aid us, who can break
Teeth of envious foes, and make
Hours of loss and pain succeed,
Guiding safe each duteous deed.
And, infusing self-control,
Fragrant chastity of soul,
Faith s keen flame to soar on high,
Incorrupt simplicity.
Christ Himself for food be given,
Faith become the cup of heaven,
Out of which the joy is quaff d
Of the Spirit s sobering draught.
With that joy replenished
Morn shall glow with modest reel,
Noon with beaming face be bright,
Eve be soft without twilight.
It has dawned : upon our way,
Father, in Thy Word, this day,
In Thy Father, Word Divine,
From Thy cloudy pillar shine.
1 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school, slightly altered. Translation by the late
Card. Newman.
THE PSALTER.
To the Father and the Son,
And the Spirit, Three and One,
As of old, and as in heaven,
Now and here be glory given.
Amen.
Verse. 1 Thou hast satisfied us
early with Thy mercy.
Answer. We rejoice and are
glad.
Antiphonfor the Songof Zacharias.
Blessed * be the Lord God of Israel.
After the repetition of the Antiphon
after the Song of Zacharias^ on the
"week-days of Advent and Lent, the
Ember Days, and all Vigils which are
fasts except Christmas Eve and the
Eve and Ember Days of Pentecost, all
kneel down, and the following prayers
called the Preces are said :
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Then the Lord s Prayer is said aloud.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we for
give them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
Answer. But deliver us from evil.
Verse. 2 I said : LORD, be mer
ciful unto me.
Answer. Heal my soul, for I
have sinned against Thee.
Verse. 3 Return, O LORD, how
long?
Answer. And let it repent Thee
concerning Thy servants.
Verse. 4 Let Thy mercy, O LORD,
be upon us.
Answer. According as we hope
in Thee.
Verse. 5 Let Thy priests be
clothed with righteousness.
Answer. And let Thy saints
shout for joy.
Verse. 6 O LORD, save the King.
Answer. And hear us in the day
when we call upon Thee.
Verse. 7 O LORD, save Thy peo
ple, and bless Thine inheritance.
Answer. And govern them, and
lift them up for ever.
Verse. 8 Remember Thy congre
gation.
Answer. Which Thou hast pur
chased of old.
Verse. 9 Peace be within thy
walls.
Answer. And prosperity within
thy palaces.
Verse. Let us pray for the faith
ful departed.
Answer. O Lord, grant them
eternal rest, and let the everlasting
light shine upon them !
Verse. May they rest in peace.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Let us pray for our ab
sent brethren.
Answer. 10 O Thou my God,
save Thy servants that trust in
Thee.
Verse. Let us pray for the sor
rowful and the captives.
Answer. u Redeem them, O God
of Israel, out of all their troubles.
Verse. 12 O Lord, send them help
from the sanctuary.
1 Ps. Ixxxix. 14. 2 Ps. xl. 5. 3 Ps. Ixxxix. 13.
4 Ps. xxxii. 22. 5 Ps. cxxxi. 9.
6 Ps. xix. 10. This verse never varies, whatever the form of government.
7 Ps. xxvii. 9. 8 Ps. Ixxiii. 2. 9 Ps. cxxi. 7.
10 Ps. Ixxxv. 2. n Ps. xxiv. 22. 12 Ps. xix. 3.
MONDAY AT LAUDS.
Answer. And strengthen them
out of Zion.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Psalm CXXIX.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees." The
meaning of this title is not certain. The
Psalms so called may perhaps, like the
"Graduals" of the Roman Liturgy, be
"step-songs," intended to be sung during
processions, Liturgical or of pilgrims.]
OUT of the depths have I cried
unto Thee, O LORD ! * Lord,
hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive * to
the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, LORD, shouldest mark
iniquities, * O Lord, who shall
stand ?
But there is forgiveness with
Thee : * because of Thy law, I wait
for Thee, O LORD !
My soul waiteth on His word : *
my soul hopeth in the Lord.
From the morning watch even
until night * let Israel hope in the
LORD :
For with the LORD there is mercy,
J and with Him is plenteous re
demption.
And He shall redeem Israel, *
from all his iniquities.
Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is
now, and ever shall be, world with
out end. Amen.
Verse. 1 Turn us again, O LORD
God of hosts !
Answer. And cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Verse. 2 Arise, O Christ, and
help us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Then follows the Prayer of the Day.
All proceeds to the end of the service
as on Sunday, except that when Suf
frages are said, the following is said
before the Commemoration of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
Commemoration of the Cross.
Antiphon. Through Thy Cross s
holy sign, JESUS, guard this soul of
mine, from my ghostly enemy.
Verse. 3 Let all the earth worship
Thee, and sing unto Thee.
Answer. Let them sing praises
unto Thy Name, O Lord !
Let us pray.
OLORD, we beseech Thee, keep
us in continual peace, whom
it hath pleased Thee to redeem by
the tree of the Holy Cross.
1 Ps. Ixxix. 2O.
Ps. xliii. 26.
Ps. Ixv. 4.
at Jftattin*.
THE THIRD DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as other
wise given here.
Invitatory. Let us make a joyful
noise to * the God of our salvation.
Invitatory in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, * Alleluia.
On Simple Feasts the Invitatory is
special.
On Simple Feasts the Hymn is
special, but on Week-days kept as such
the following is said from the Octave
of the Epiphany till the first Tuesday
in Lent, and from the Octave of Pente
cost till Advent. The Hymns for the
other Seasons are given in the proper
Office of the Seasons.
HYMN. 1
OGOD from God, and Light from
Light,
Who art Thyself the Day,
Our chants shall break the clouds of
night ;
Be with us while we pray.
Chase Thou the gloom that haunts the
mind,
The thronging shades of hell,
The sloth and drowsiness that bind
The senses with a spell.
Lord, to their sins indulgent be,
Who, in this hour forlorn,
By faith in what they do not see,
With songs prevent the morn.
1 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Only one Nocturn is said.
Antiphon. That I sin not.
In Paschal time there is only one An
tiphon to the whole Nocturn, Alleluia.
Psalm XXXVIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
farther notice of meaning now uncertain.
It is addressed to Jeduthun, concerning
whom it is said, in I Par. (Chron.) xvi. 42,
that David appointed, along with the Priests
who officiated before the Ark, "Heman
and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen,
who are expressed by name, to give thanks
to the LORD, because His mercy endureth
for ever. And with them Heman and
Jeduthun, with trumpets and cymbals, for
those that should make a sound, and with
musical instruments of God. " The Targum
says that it was to be used by Jeduthun for
his watch in the Sanctuary.]
T SAID: I will take heed unto
* my ways, * that I sin not with
my tongue.
I kept a watch upon my mouth, *
while the wicked stood up against
me.
I was dumb, and humbl.ed myself,
I held my peace even from good :
Translation by the late Card. Newman.
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
93
* and my sorrow was stirred up
afresh.
Mine heart was hot within me :
* and while I was musing the fire
kindled.
I spake with my tongue : * LORD,
make me to know mine end ;
And the measure of my days
what it is ; * that I may know how
frail I am.
Behold, Thou hast made my days
as a span : * and mine age is as
nothing before Thee.
Verily every man living * is
altogether vanity. 1
Surely every man flitteth by like
a shade : * he is disquieted also in
vain.
He heapeth up riches, * and
knoweth not who shall gather them.
And now for what wait I ? Is it
not for the Lord ? * and mine hope
is with Thee.
Deliver me from all my transgres
sions : * Thou hast given me for a
reproach unto the foolish.
I was dumb and opened not my
mouth, because Thou didst it : *
remove Thy strokes away from me.
I am consumed by the blow of
Thine hand : * Thou, with rebukes
dost correct man for iniquity.
And Thou makest his beauty to
consume away like a spider s web :
* surely every man is disquieted in
vain. 1
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and my
cry : * give ear unto my tears.
Hold not Thy peace : for I am a
stranger with Thee, and a sojourner,
* as all my fathers were.
O spare me, that I may recover
strength, before I go hence, * and
be no more.
Psalm XXXIX.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David " and with
the same (now) uncertain superscription as
Ps. xii.]
T WAITED patiently for the
* LORD, * and He inclined unto
me,
And heard my cry : * He brought
me up also out of an horrible pit,
and out of the miry clay.
And set my feet upon a rock ; *
and ordered my goings.
And He hath put a new song in
my mouth, * even praise unto our
God.
Many shall see it, and fear, * and
shall trust in the LORD.
Blessed is that man whose trust
is the Name of the LORD : * and
who respecteth not pride and lying
vanities.
Many, O LORD my God, are Thy
wonderful works which Thou hast
done : * and in Thy thoughts there
is none like unto Thee.
If I would declare and speak of
them, * they are more than can be
numbered.
Sacrifice and offering Thou hast
not desired; * but mine ears hast
Thou opened.
Burnt-offering and sin-offering hast
Thou not required : * then said I :
Lo, I come.
In the beginning of the book it is
written of me that I should fulfil
Thy will: * O my God, I delight
to do it, yea, Thy law is within mine
heart.
I have preached Thy righteous
ness in the great congregation : * lo,
I have not refrained my lips : O
LORD, Thou knowest.
1 SLH
94
THE PSALTER.
I have not hidden Thy righteous
ness within mine heart : * I have
declared Thy faithfulness and Thy
salvation.
I have not concealed Thy loving-
kindness, and Thy truth * from the
great congregation.
Withhold not Thou Thy tender
mercies from me, O LORD : * let
Thy loving-kindness and Thy truth
continually preserve me.
For countless evils have com
passed me about : * mine iniquities
have taken hold upon me, and I am
not able to look up.
They are more in number than
the hairs of mine head : * and mine
heart faileth me.
Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver
me : * O LORD, look upon me to
help me.
Let them be ashamed and con
founded together that seek after my
soul, * to destroy it.
Let them be driven backward,
and put to shame, * that wish me
evil.
Let them quickly bear their
shame, * that say unto me : Aha,
Aha.
Let all those that seek Thee re
joice and be glad in Thee : * and
let such as love Thy salvation say
continually : The LORD be mag
nified.
But I am poor and needy : * the
Lord thinketh upon me.
Thou art mine Helper and my
Deliverer : * make no tarrying, O
God.
Antiphon. l That I sin not with
my tongue.
Second Antiphon. Heal.
Psalm XL.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with
some other words, of meaning now un
certain, as in some other Psalms.]
1DLESSED is he that considereth
*-* the poor and needy : * the
LORD will deliver him in time of
trouble.
The LORD preserve him, and
quicken him, and make him to be
blessed upon the earth : * and de
liver him not unto the will of his
enemies !
The LORD strengthen him upon
his bed of suffering ! * Thou hast
made all his bed in his sickness.
As for me, I said : LORD, be
merciful unto me : * heal my soul,
for I have sinned against Thee.
Mine enemies speak evil of me :
* When shall he die, and his name
perish ?
If he came to see me he spake
vanity : * his heart gathereth iniquity
to itself.
He went out, * and told it.
All they that hate me whispered
together against me : * against me
did they devise mine hurt.
They plotted together to do me
evil : * Now that he lieth, surely he
shall rise up no more.
Yea, mine own familiar friend in
whom I trusted, * who did eat of
my bread, hath lifted up his heel
against me. 2
But Thou, O LORD, be merciful
unto me, and raise me up : * and I
will requite them.
By this I know that Thou de-
lightest in me : * because mine
enemy cannot triumph over me.
But as for me, Thou upholdest
1 Ps. xxxviii. 2.
Quoted by our Lord. John xiii. 18.
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
95
me, because of mine innocence : *
and settest me before Thy face for
ever.
Blessed be the LORD God of
Israel from everlasting, and to
everlasting. * Amen, Amen. 1
Psalm XLI.
[This Psalm has a superscription, the
meaning of which is not now certain, but
which seems in part to imply that it was a
didactic poem written to be sung by the
choir of the Korahites, a family of Levites
and singers in the time of David.]
AS the hart panteth after the
water -brooks : * so panteth
my soul after Thee, O God!
My soul is athirst for God, for
the mighty God, for the living God :
* when shall I come and appear
before God?
My tears have been my meat day
and night, * while they daily say
unto me : Where is thy God ?
When I remember these things,
I pour out my soul in me : * for
I will go unto the place of the
wondrous Tabernacle, even unto
the house of God.
With the voice of joy and praise,
* the noise of a multitude that keep
holiday.
Why art thou cast down, O my
soul, * and why art thou disquieted
in me?
Hope thou in God, for I shall yet
praise Him, * the Health of my
countenance and my God.
My soul is cast down within me :
* therefore will I remember Thee
from the land of Jordan, and from
the mountains of Hermon, 2 from the
Little Hill. 3
Deep calleth unto deep, * at the
noise of Thy waterspouts.
All Thy waves and Thy billows *
are gone over me.
The LORD hath commanded [the
praise of] His loving- kindness in
the day-time, * and in the night
His song.
Mine shall it be to pray unto the
God of my life. * I will say unto
God : Thou art my refuge.
Why hast Thou forgotten me ? *
and why go I mourning, while the
enemy oppresseth me?
While my bones are broken, *
they that trouble me, even mine
enemies, reproach me ;
While they say daily unto me :
Where is thy God ? * Why art thou
cast down, O my soul, and why art
thou disquieted within me ?
Hope thou in God, for I shall yet
praise Him : * the Health of my
countenance and my God.
Antiphon. 4 Heal my soul, O
Lord, for I have sinned against Thee.
Third Antiphon. Mine heart.
Psalm XLIII.
[This Psalm has the same uncertain
[? musical] superscription as some others,
and the Targum farther ascribes its author
ship to David.]
^\ \ J"E have heard with our ears,
* * O God : * our fathers have
told us,
What work Thou didst in their
days, * and in the times of old.
1 With this Psalm ends the first of the five books into which the Psalter is divided.
2 A chain of mountains in the north-east of Palestine, stretching down on the eastern
side of Jordan.
3 Or rather, the hill Mizar (viz. the Little), proper name of a mountain on the eastern
ridge of Lebanon. May it not be that the Korahites were among the Levitical families
which had cities in the north and north-east districts ? 4 Ps. xl. 5.
9 6
THE PSALTER.
Thine hand scattered the heathen,
and planted them : * Thou didst
afflict the people and cast them out.
For they got not the land in pos
session by their own sword : * neither
did their own arm save them.
But Thy right hand, and Thine
arm, and the light of Thy counten
ance : * because Thou hadst a favour
unto them.
Thou art my King and my God :
* Who commandest victories for
Jacob !
Through Thee shall our horn toss
our enemies : * through Thy Name
will we tread them under that rise
up against us.
For I will not trust in my bow : *
neither shall my sword save me.
For Thou hast saved us from them
that afflicted us, * and hast put to
shame them that hated us.
In God will we glory all the day
long, * and will praise Thy Name
for ever. 1
But now Thou hast cast off and
put us to shame : * and Thou, O
God, wilt not go forth with our
armies.
Thou hast turned us back behind
our enemies : * and they that hate
us take spoil for themselves.
Thou hast given us like sheep ap
pointed for meat, * and hast scat
tered us among the heathen.
Thou hast sold Thy people for
nought, * and hast not increased
Thy wealth by their price.
Thou makest us a reproach to our
neighbours, * a scorn and a derision
to them that are round about us.
Thou makest us a by-word among
the heathen, * a shaking of the head
among the peoples.
My confusion is all day long be
fore me, * and the shame of my face
hath covered me,
For the voice of him that reproach-
eth and blasphemeth, * by reason of
the enemy and avenger.
All this is come upon us, yet have
we not forgotten Thee : * neither
have we dealt falsely in Thy covenant.
Our heart also is not turned back :
neither have our steps strayed
from Thy way ;
Though Thou hast sore broken us
in the place of affliction, * and the
shadow of death hath covered us.
If we have forgotten the Name of
our God, * or stretched out our
hands to a strange god ;
Shall not God search this out ? *
for He knoweth the secrets of the
heart.
Yea, for Thy sake are we killed all
the day long : * we are counted as
sheep for the slaughter.
Awake, why sleepest Thou, O
Lord ? * arise, and cast us not off
for ever.
Wherefore hidest Thou Thy face,
* and forgettest our affliction and
our oppression ?
For our soul is bowed down to
the dust : * our belly cleaveth unto
the earth.
Arise, O Lord, help us : * and
redeem us for Thy Name s sake.
Psalm XLIV.
[This Psalm has a long superscription, the
exact meaning of which is not now certain.
It seems to have been a marriage-song writ
ten to be sung by the Korahites. The Tar-
gum ascribes it to the time of Moses, but it
seems rather to belong to that of the Jewish
Monarchy. ]
1\ /TINE heart is overflowing with
*-* a good matter : * I speak of
my works unto the king.
SLH.
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
97
My tongue is the pen * of a ready
writer.
Thou art fairer than the children
of men, grace is poured into thy lips :
* therefore God hath blessed thee
for ever.
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, *
O most mighty !
In thy comeliness, and thy beauty,
* go forward, fare prosperously, and
reign,
Because of truth, and meekness,
and righteousness : * and thy right
hand shall lead thee wonderfully.
Thine arrows are sharp (the
people shall fall under thee) * into
the heart of the King s enemies.
J Thy throne, O God, is for ever
and ever : * the sceptre of Thy
kingdom is a right sceptre.
Thou hast loved righteousness,
and hated iniquity : * therefore,
God, thy God, hath anointed thee
with the oil of gladness above thy
fellows.
Thy garments smell of myrrh, and
aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory
palaces, * whereby kings daughters
among thine honourable women have
made thee glad.
Upon thy right hand did stand
the queen in a vesture of gold, *
bedecked with divers colours.
Hearken, O daughter, and con
sider, and incline thine ear: * for
get also thine own people, and thy
father s house :
And the King shall greatly de
sire thy beauty : * for He is the
Lord thy God, 2 and Him shall they
worship.
And the daughters of Tyre shall
entreat thy favour * with gifts, even
all the rich among the people.
The King s daughter is all glo
rious within, * in a vesture of gold,
clad in divers colours.
After her shall virgins be brought
unto the king: * her fellows shall
be brought unto thee.
With gladness and rejoicing shall
they be brought : * they shall enter
into the King s palace.
Instead of thy fathers shall be
thy children : * thou shalt make
them princes over all the earth.
They shall be mindful of thy
name, * unto all generations.
Therefore shall the people praise
thee for ever, * yea, for ever and
ever.
Antiphon. 3 Mine heart is over
flowing with a good matter.
Fourth Antiphon. Our help.
Psalm XLV.
[This Psalm has a superscription of un
certain meaning, but of which part seems
to imply that it was to be sung by treble
voices, from the choir of the Korahite
family. And the Targum ascribes it, but
apparently by a mere guess, to the time when
Korah and his fellow-rebels were destroyed
by an earthquake in the wilderness, but
"the children of Korah died not" (Num.
xxvi. 10, n).]
OD is our refuge and strength,
* our help in trouble, which
is come upon us exceedingly.
Therefore will we not fear, though
the earth be removed, * and though
the mountains be carried into the
midst of the sea ;
Though the waters thereof roar
1 So are these words translated in Heb. i. 8, 9.
2 The word " God " is not in the Hebrew, and the original meaning, addressed to the
IClC is * He ^ f ^"** I -**"-! n *A K~ j.l~ A .. *. i_: o _ _i__ o A. T
3 Ps. xliv. 2.
VOL. III.
bride, is, He is thy lord, and bow thou to him." So also St Jerome.
9 8
THE PSALTER.
and be troubled; * though the
mountains shake with the swelling
thereof. 1
[There is] a river, the streams
whereof make glad the city of God :
* the Most High hath hallowed His
Tabernacle.
God is in the midst of her, she
shall not be moved : * God shall
help her right early.
The heathen raged, and the king
doms were moved : * He uttered
His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us : *
the God of Jacob is our refuge. 1
Come and behold the works of
the LORD, what wonders He hath
wrought in the earth ; * He maketh
wars to cease unto the end of the
earth.
He breaketh the bow and cut-
teth the weapons in sunder : * and
burneth the shields in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am
God : * I will be exalted among
the heathen, and I will be exalted
in the earth.
The LORD of hosts is with us : *
the God of Jacob is our refuge. 1
Psalm XLVI.
[Intituled " A Psalm of the sons of
Korah," with another (now uncertain) direc
tion.]
OCLAP your hands, all ye
people : * shout unto God
with the voice of triumph.
For the LORD Most High is ter
rible : * He is a great King over all
the earth.
He hath subdued the people
under us, * and the nations under
cur feet.
He hath chosen His own inheri-
1 SLH.
tance for us, * the excellency of
Jacob, whom He loved. 1
God is gone up with a shout, *
and the LORD with the sound of a
trumpet.
Sing praises to our God, sing
praises : * sing praises unto our
King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the
earth : * sing ye praises with under
standing.
God reigneth over the heathen :
* God sitteth upon the throne of
His holiness.
The princes of the people are
gathered together with the God of
Abraham : * for the mighty ones
of the earth are greatly exalted.
Antiphon. 2 Our help in trouble.
Fifth Antiphon. Great is the
LORD.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the ivords, " And greatly to
be praised."
Psalm XLVII.
[Intituled "A Song. A Psalm of the
sons of Korah." The Vulgate and the
LXX. assign it to the second day of the
week.]
GREAT is the LORD, and greatly
to be praised * in the city of
our God, in the mountain of His
holiness.
Beautiful for situation, the joy of
the whole earth, is mount Zion, *
on the sides of the north, the city
of the great King.
God is known in her palaces *
for a refuge.
For, lo, the kings were assembled :
* they passed by together.
They saw, and so they marvelled;
2 Ps. xlv. 2.
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
99
they were troubled, they hasted
away : * fear took hold upon them
There, pain, as of a woman in
travail. Thou shalt break the
ships of Tarshish 1 with a mighty
wind.
As we have heard, so have we
seen in the city of the LORD of
hosts, in the city of our God : *
God hath established her for ever. 2
We have received Thy loving-
kindness, O God, * in the midst
of Thy temple.
According to Thy Name, O God,
so is Thy praise unto the ends of
the earth : * Thy right hand is full
of righteousness.
Let mount Zion rejoice, and let
the daughters of Judah be glad, *
because of Thy judgments, O Lord.
Walk about Zion, and go round
about her : * tell the towers thereof.
Mark ye well her bulwarks : *
and consider her palaces ; that
ye may tell it to the generation
following.
For this God is our God for ever
and ever : * He shall be our guide
for ever.
Psalm XLVJII.
[This Psalm has the same title as Ps.
xlvi.j
IT EAR this, all ye people : *
L * give ear, all ye inhabitants
of the world ;
Both low and high : * rich and
poor together.
My mouth shall speak of wisdom :
* and the meditation of my heart
shall be of understanding.
I will incline mine ear to a par
able : * I will open my saying
upon the harp.
1 A very flourishing colony and emporium
Wherefore should I fear in the
day of evil ? * The iniquity of them
that dog mine heels shall compass
me about,
They that trust in their own
strength, " and boast themselves
in the multitude of their riches.
Can a man redeem, redeem his
brother ? * He cannot give to God
a ransom for himself
Nor yet a redemption for his own
soul, * if he should work for ever,
and live even unto the end.
Nay, though he should not see
destruction, when he beholdeth
wise men die * likewise the
fool and the brutish person perish,
And leave their wealth to others :
and their grave shall be their
house for ever
Even their dwelling-place to all
generations : * they called their
lands after their own names.
For man, having been created
in honour, hath had no understand
ing : * he hath made himself like
unto the beasts that understand
not, and is become like unto
them.
This their way is a stumbling-
block for themselves : * yet their
posterity will approve their sayings. 2
Like sheep they are laid in the
grave : * death will pasture them.
And the upright shall have do
minion over them in the morning :
* and the beauty of their strength
shall waste away in the grave.
But God will redeem my soul
from the power of the grave, *
when He shall receive me. 2
Be not thou afraid when one is
made rich, * and when the glory
of his house is increased.
For when he dieth he shall carry
of the Phoenicians in Spain. 2 SLH.
100
THE PSALTER.
nothing away, * his glory shall not
descend with him.
Though while he lived he blessed
his soul ; * and praised thee when
thou didst well to him.
He shall go to the generation of
his fathers : * and shall never see
light.
Man, having been created in
honour, hath had no understand
ing : * he hath made himself like
unto the beasts that understand
not, and is become like unto them.
Antiphon. l Great is the LORD,
and greatly to be praised.
Sixth Antiphon. The God of
gods.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, "Even the
LORD."
Psalm XL IX.
[Intituled " A Psalm of Asaph." This
Asaph was a Levite, chief of the singers
appointed by David. I Par. (Chron.) xvi.
4. "And he (David) appointed certain of
the Levites to minister before the Ark of
the LORD, and to record, and to thank
and praise the LORD God of Israel. Asaph
the chief, and next to him Zachariah, Jeiel,
Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah,
and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom ;
and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps ;
but Asaph made a sound with cymbals."]
THE God of gods, even the
LORD, hath spoken, * and
called the earth,
From the rising of the sun unto
the going down thereof. * Out of
Zion, the Perfection of beauty,
God shall come manifestly, *
even our God, and shall not keep
silence.
A fire shall devour before Him :
* and it shall be very tempestuous
round about Him.
1 Ps. xlvii. 2.
He shall call to the heavens from
above, * and to the earth, that
He may judge His people.
Gather His saints together unto
Him, * those that have made a
covenant with Him by sacrifice.
And the heavens shall declare
His righteousness : * for God is
Judge Himself. 2
Hear, O My people, and I will
speak ; O Israel, and I will testify
against thee ; * I am God, even
thy God.
I will not reprove thee for thy
sacrifices : * for thy burnt -offerings
are continually before Me.
I will take no bullock out of thine
house, * nor he -goats out of thy
folds.
For every beast of the forest is
Mine, * the cattle and the bulls
upon the mountains.
I know all the birds of the sky :
* and the beauty of the field is
Mine.
If I were hungry, I would not
tell thee : * for the earth is Mine,
and the fulness thereof.
Will I eat the flesh of bulls, *
or drink the blood of goats ?
Offer unto God the sacrifice of
praise : * and pay thy vows unto the
Most High :
And call upon Me in the day of
trouble : * I will deliver thee, and
thou shalt glorify Me.
But unto the wicked, God saith :
* What hast thou to do to declare
My statutes, that thou shouldest take
My covenant in thy mouth ?
Seeing thou hatest instruction, *
and easiest My words behind thee ?
When thou sawest a thief then
thou tookest pleasure in him : * and
hast been partaker with adulterers.
2 SLH.
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
101
Thy mouth aboundeth with evil :
* and thy tongue frameth deceit.
Thou satest and spakest against
thy brother, and slanderedst thine
own mother s son : * these things
hast thou done, and I kept silence.
Thou thoughtest wickedly that I
was such an one as thyself: * I will
reprove thee, and set them in order
before thine eyes.
Consider ye this, ye that forget
God : * lest He tear you in pieces,
and there be none to deliver.
The sacrifice of praise shall honour
Me : * and there is the path where
in I will show unto him the salvation
of God.
Psalm LI.
[After another uncertain superscription,
the title of this Psalm proceeds: "[A
Psalm] of David, when Doeg the Edomite
came and told Saul, and said unto him :
David is come to the house of Ahimelech."
The circumstances may be read in I Kings
(Sam.) xxii. (Saturday, fourth week after
Pentecost). After Doeg told Saul, the
latter sent for Ahimelech and the other
Priests, and ordered them to execution.
" But the servants of the king would not
put forth their hand to fall upon the Priests
of the LORD. And the king said to Doeg :
Turn thou, and fall upon the Priests. And
Doeg the Edomite turned and fell upon the
Priests, and slew on that day four-score and
five persons that did wear a linen ephod. "
The inhabitants of the Priestly city of Nob
were also brutally massacred. One of the
sons of Ahimelech escaped and told David.]
AX rHY boastest thou thyself in
* mischief, * O thou that art
mighty in iniquity ?
Thy tongue deviseth unrighteous
ness all the day long : * like a sharp
razor hast thou wrought treachery.
Thou lovest evil more than good ;
* iniquity rather than to speak of
uprightness. 1
1 SLH. 2 Ps. xlix.
Thou lovest all deadly words, *
O thou deceitful tongue !
Therefore God shall destroy thee
for ever : * He shall take thee away,
and pluck thee out of thy dwelling-
place, and root thee out of the land
of the living. 1
The righteous shall see it, and
fear, and shall laugh at him, and
say : * Lo, this is the man that
made not God his strength;
But trusted in the abundance of
his riches : * and hardened himself
in his wickedness.
But I am like a fruitful olive-
tree in the house of God, * I trust
in the mercy of God for ever and
ever.
I will praise Thee for ever, be
cause Thou hast done it : * and I
will wait on Thy name, for it is
good before Thy saints.
Antiphon. 2 The God of gods,
even the LORD, hath spoken.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. Send forth the Lamb, O
Lord, the ruler of the land.
Answer. From the " Rock " of
the wilderness unto the mount of
the daughter of Zion.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 3 Offer unto God the sac
rifice of praise.
Answer. And pay thy vows un
to the Most High.
In Lent.
Verse. He shall cover thee with
His wings.
i. 3 Ps. xlix. 14.
102
THE PSALTER.
Answer. And under His feath
ers shalt thou trust.
I?i Passion time.
Verse. O Lord, save me from
the lion s mouth.
Answer. And mine affliction
from the horns of the unicorns.
7;z Paschal time.
Verse. The Lord is risen in
deed, Alleluia.
Answer. And hath appeared un
to Simon, Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the Seco7id
Nocturn on the precedi?ig Sunday, only
the Lessons, and sometimes the Respon-
sories, are those of the day.
Simple Feasts. It is to be remembered
that when a Simple Feast is kept on
7^tesday, the Invitatory and Hymn are
of the Feast, being taken from the Com
mon of Saints of the class, unless speci
ally given.
Then the Psalms and Antiphons of
the Week-day, as given above. Then is
said a Verse and Answer as follows :
In the Simple Office for one or many
Martyrs in Paschal time.
Verse. The everlasting light
shall shine upon Thy Saints, O
Lord. Alleluia.
Answer. Even unto everlasting.
Alleluia.
In the Simple Office for one Martyr
(put of Paschal time}.
Verse. 1 Thou hast set a crown,
O Lord, of precious stones.
Answer. Upon his head.
In the Simple Office for ma?iy Martyrs
(put of Paschal time].
Verse. 2 Let the righteous re
joice before God.
1 Ps. xx. 4. 2 Ps. Ixvii. 4.
4 Ps. xxxvi. 30.
Answer. Yea, let them exceed
ingly rejoice.
In the Simple Office for a Bishop and
Confessor.
Verse. 3 The Lord chose him for
a priest unto Himself.
[/// Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. To offer up unto Him
the sacrifice of praise.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
In the Simple Office for a Confessor
not a Bishop.
Verse. 4 The mouth of the right
eous shall speak wisdom.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. And his tongue talk of
judgment.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
For one Holy Woma?i, of whatever kind.
Verse. 5 God shall give her the
help of His countenance.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. God is in the midst of
her, she shall not be moved.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
The others, as well as what follows,
to the end of the Service, are taken from
the Second Nocturn of the Office common
to Saints of the class, unless something
special be appointed. The Lessons are
arranged according to the rules in Chap
ter xxvi. 4 of the general Rubrics.
The Hymn, " We praise Thee, O God,"
is said at the end, i7istead of a Third
Responsory. The Responsories are ar
ranged according to the rules in Chapter
xxvii. 4 of the general Rubrics. Thus ;
The Lords Prayer is said :
Father (inaudibly), Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
Cf. Ecclus. xlv. 1 6, 27.
Ps. xlv. 6 (Alexandrian version).
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
103
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Then this Absolution :
AY His loving kindness and
mercy help us, Who liveth
and reigneth with the Father, and
the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be from
Scripture.
God the Father the Almighty
Show on us His grace and mercy.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be of an
Homily.
May the Gospel s saving Lord
Bless the reading of His Word.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing o?i a Simple Feast.
May His blessing be upon us,
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the First Lesson from
Scripture or from the Homily, or, on a
Simple Feast, either the First from
Scripture, or, if the Saint or Saints
have two Lessons, the whole three Scrip-
titre Lessons read together as one.
Then the First Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the First Responsory of
the Second Nocturn of the preceding
Sunday. On a Simple Feast, it is the
Jirst Responsory in the Common Office
for the class to which the Saint belongs.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May Christ to all His people give
For ever in His sight to live.
Answer. Amen.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be from
an Homily.
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Second Blessing, for a Simple Feast.
He (or She or They) whose feast-day
we are keeping
Plead for us before the Lord.
Ansiver. Amen.
Then is read the Second Lesson, either
from the Scripture or from ait Homily,
or, on a Simple Feast, either the Second
and Third Lessons from Scripture read
together as one, or, if the Saint or Saints
have two Lessons, the first of these.
Then the Second Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the Second Responsory
of the preceding Sunday, but in Paschal
time there is added to it :
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
And the Answer of the Responsory is
repeated again.
On a Simple Feast the Second Re
sponsory in the Common Office for the
class to which the Saint belongs, with the
addition of " Glory be to the Father,"
&*c., and the repetition of the Answer.
IO4
THE PSALTER.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Third Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture,
May the Spirit s fire divine
In our inmost being shine.
Answer. Amen.
Third Blessing, for a Simple Feast, or
if the Lesson be from an Homily.
May He that is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Third Lesson either
from Scripture, or of the Homily, or,
on Simple Feasts, the Second or only
Lesson of the Saint.
Then, on Simple Feasts and on any
day in Paschal time save Rogation
Monday is said the Hymn, " We praise
Thee, O God." But on week-days kept
as such out of Paschal time the Third
Responsory of the preceding Sunday.
tit
THE THIRD DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. O Lord.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, &c. (/.
8 7 ).
Antiphon. O Lord, blot out my
transgressions.
Second Antiphon. The health.
PsalmXLII.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
Psalm "to David."]
JUDGE me, O God, and plead
J my cause against an ungodly
nation : * O deliver me from the
unjust and deceitful man.
For Thou, O God, art my strength :
* why dost Thou cast me off? and
why go I mourning, because of the
oppression of the enemy ?
O send out Thy light and Thy
truth : * let them lead me and bring
me unto Thine holy hill, and unto
Thy tabernacles !
Then will I go unto the Altar
of God, * unto God, the Gladdener
of my youth !
VOL. III.
Upon the harp will I praise
Thee, O God, my God ! * why art
thou cast down, O my soul? and
why dost thou disquiet me ?
Hope thou in God : for I will still
praise Him, * Who is the health of
my countenance, and my God.
Antiphon. The health of my
countenance, and my God.
Third Antiphon. Early.
Psalms LXII., LXVI.
O God, Thou art my God, &c.
(P. 23)-
Antiphon. Early will I seek Thee,
OGod.
Fourth Antiphon. Save us.
THE SONG OF HEZEKIAH, KING OF
JUDAH. (Isa. xxxviii. 10.)
[Intituled "The writing of Hezekiah,
King of Judah, when he had been sick, and
was recovered of his sickness." The his
tory will be found in 4 (2) Kings xx. (nth
Sunday after Pentecost).]
I SAID, In the midst of my days,
* I shall go to the gates of the
grave :
I looked for the rest of my
years. * I said, I shall not see the
D 2
io6
THE PSALTER.
LORD my God l in the land of the
living :
I shall behold man no more, *
with the dwellers in the land of
rest.
Mine age is departed, and is
rolled up from me, * as a shepherd s
tent :
My life is cut off as by a weaver :
my web was scarce begun when He
cut me off: * from day even to
night wilt Thou make an end of
me.
I thought I might live till morn
ing : * as a lion, so doth He break
all my bones :
From day even to night wilt Thou
make an end of me. * Like a
swallow s fledgling so did I twitter,
I did coo as a dove :
Mine eyes fail, * with looking
upward.
LORD, I am seized, undertake
for me. * What shall I say, or what
will He answer me, seeing that He
Himself hath done it?
1 will call to remembrance before
Thee all my years * in the bitter
ness of my soul.
O Lord, if by these things men
live, and in such things is the life
of my spirit, so mayest Thou chasten
me, and make me to live. * Be
hold, mine anguish is [turned] into
peace :
But Thou hast delivered my soul
from destruction : * Thou hast cast
all my sins behind Thy back.
For the grave cannot praise Thee,
death cannot celebrate Thee : * they
that go down into the pit cannot
hope for Thy truth.
The living, the living, he shall
praise Thee, as I do this day : *
the father to the children shall make
known Thy truth.
O LORD, save me : * and we will
sing our songs all the days of our
life in the house of the LORD.
Antiphon. Save us all the days of
our life, O Lord.
Fifth Antiphon, Praise ye the
LORD.
Psalms CXLVIIL, CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD from the
heavens, &c. (pp. 25, 26).
Antiphon. Praise ye the LORD
from the heavens, all His Angels.
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
The night is far spent, &c. (as on
Monday, p. 89).
D
HYMN. 2
,AY S herald bird
At length is heard,
Telling its morning torch is lit,
And small and still
Christ s accents thrill
Within the heart, rekindling it.
Away, He cries,
With languid eyes,
And sickly slumbers profitless !
I am at hand,
As watchers stand,
In awe, and truth, and holiness.
He will appear,
The hearts to cheer
Of suppliants pale and abstinent
Who cannot sleep
Because they weep
With holy grief and violent.
1 " My God" is not in the Hebrew, but the Divine Name is repeated.
2 Author of original, Aurelius Prudentius Clemens: b. 348 A.D., d.
Translation by the late Card. Newman.
after 405 A.D.
TUESDAY AT LAUDS.
107
Keep us awake,
The fetters break,
JESU ! which night has forged for us ;
Yea, melt the night
To sinless light,
Till all is bright and glorious.
To Father, Son,
And Spirit, one,
To the Most Holy Trinity,
All praise be given
In earth and heaven,
Now, as of old, and endlessly. Amen.
Verse. * Thou hast satisfied us
early with Thy mercy.
Answer. We rejoice and are glad.
Antiphonfor the SongofZacharias.
The Lord hath raised up * an horn
of salvation for us, in the house of
His servant David.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other general Commemorations, and
Long Preces in Advent and Lent, and
on Fast-days, as on Monday.
1 Ps. Ixxxix. 14.
loS
at Jftattin*.
THE FOURTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday except as otherwise
given here.
Invitatory. In Thy hand, O
Lord, * are the inmost depths of
the earth.
HYMN. 1
WHO madest all and dost control,
Lord, with Thy touch divine,
Cast out the slumbers of the soul,
The rest that is not Thine.
Look down, Eternal Holiness,
And wash the sins away
Of those, who, rising to confess,
Outstrip the lingering day.
Our hearts and hands by night, O Lord,
We lift them in our need ;
As holy Psalmists give the word,
And holy Paul the deed.
Each sin to Thee of years gone by,
Each hidden stain lies bare ;
We shrink not from Thine awful eye,
But pray that Thou wouldst spare.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place. Amen.
Only one Nocturn is said.
Antiphon. God bringeth back.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon
is said to the whole Nocturn. Alleluia.
Psalm LI I.
[Intituled "of David," with a further
superscription, perhaps musical, but of a
(now) uncertain meaning. The Targum
gives it the additional superscription, "to
render praise, for the reward of the impious
who blasphemed the Name of the Lord."
It is a repetition of Ps. xiii.]
THE fool hath said in his heart :
* There is no God.
Corrupt are they and have done
abominable iniquity : * there is
none that doeth good.
God looketh down from heaven
upon the children of men, * to see
if there be any that will understand,
or that will seek God.
Every one of them is gone back,
they are altogether become unprofit
able : * there is none that doeth
good, no, not one.
Have the workers of iniquity no
knowledge, * who eat up my people
as they eat bread ?
They have not called upon God :
* there were they in great fear,
where no fear was.
For God hath scattered the bones
of them that work that which is
pleasing in the sight of men : *
they are put to shame, because God
hath despised them.
O that the salvation of Israel
Another hymn of the Ambrosian school. Translation by the late Card. Newman.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
109
were come out of Zion ! * when
God bringeth back the captivity of
His people, Jacob shall rejoice, and
Israel shall be glad.
Psalm LIV.
[This Psalm has a superscription of which
nothing can now be certainly interpreted,
except the ascription of authorship "To
David."]
GIVE ear to my prayer, O God,
and despise not my suppli
cation : * attend unto me and hear
me.
I mourn in my exercise ; * and
am troubled, because of the voice
of the enemy, and because of the
oppression of the wicked.
For they cast iniquity upon me :
* and in wrath they hate me.
My heart is sore pained within
me : * and the terrors of death are
fallen upon me.
Fearfulness and trembling are
come upon me : * and darkness
hath overwhelmed me.
And I said : O that I had wings
like a dove, * for then would I fly
away and be at rest !
Lo, then would I wander far off,
* and remain in the wilderness. 1
I waited for Him Who hath de
livered me * from distress of spirit
and from tempest.
Destroy, O Lord ! divide their
tongues : * for I have seen iniquity
and strife in the city.
Day and night iniquity goeth
round about upon her walls : *
trouble also and unrighteousness are
in the midst of her.
Usury and guile * depart not
from her streets.
For if mine enemy had reproached
me, * then I could have borne it.
If he also that hated me had
magnified himself against me, *
then haply I would have hidden
myself from him.
But it was thou, a man like-
minded, * my guide and mine ac
quaintance :
We took pleasant meats together :
* we walked unto the house of God
in company.
Let death come upon them : *
and let them go down quick into
hell;
For wickedness is in their dwell
ings, * among them.
But as for me I have called upon
God : * and the LORD shall save
me.
Evening, and morning, and at
noon will I complain and cry aloud,
* and He shall hear my voice.
He shall deliver my soul in
peace from them that draw nigh
against me : * for there were many
against me.
God shall hear and afflict them,
* even He That abideth of old. 1
Because they have no changes,
therefore they fear not God. * He
hath stretched forth His hand to
requite them.
They have broken His covenant :
the anger of His countenance hath
put them to flight, * and His wrath
pursueth them.
His words were softer than oil,
* yet were they drawn swords.
Cast thy burden upon the LORD,
and He shall sustain thee : * He
shall never suffer the righteous to
be moved.
But Thou, O God, shalt bring
them down * into the pit of destruc
tion.
Bloody and deceitful men shall
1 SLH.
no
THE PSALTER.
not live out half their days : * but
I will trust in Thee, O Lord.
Antiphon. l God bringeth back
the captivity of His people.
Second Antiphon. For my soul.
Psalm LV.
[This Psalm has a long and very obscure
superscription. From part of this it seems
that it was written to be sung to a tune
called "The dumb dove among foreigners."
The authorship is ascribed " To David,
when the Philistines took him in Gath."
This may either be the occasion described
in the note on Ps. xxxiii. (p. 78), or that
narrated thus in I Kings (Sam.) xxvii.
" And David said in his heart : I shall now
perish one day by the hand of Saul ; there
is nothing better for me than that I should
speedily escape into the land of the Philis
tines ; and Saul shall despair of me, to
seek me any more in any coast of Israel ;
so shall I escape -out of his hand. And
David arose, and he passed over, with the
six hundred men that were with him, unto
Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.
. . . And it was told Saul that David was
fled to Gath, and he sought no more again
for him."]
T3E merciful unto me, O God, for
-D man treadeth me down : * he
fighteth all the day long, and op-
presseth me.
Mine enemies tread me down all
the day long : * for they be many
that fight against me.
The height of the morning makes
me afraid, * but I will trust in
Thee.
In God I will praise His word,
in God I have put my trust : * I
will not fear what flesh can do unto
me.
All the day long they wrest my
words : * all their thoughts are
against me for evil.
They gather themselves together
and hide themselves : * they mark
my steps.
When they wait for my soul,
for nothing shalt Thou deliver
them : in Thine anger Thou
shalt cast down the people.
God, I have declared my life
unto Thee, * Thou hast put my
tears in Thy sight,
Even as Thou hast promised. *
Then shall mine enemies turn back,
In whatsoever day I cry unto
Thee : * behold, I know that Thou
art my God.
In God will I praise His word,
in the LORD will I praise His
word : * in God have I put my
trust, I will not be afraid what
man can do unto me.
Thy vows are upon me, O God,
* I will pay them, even praises
unto Thee.
For Thou hast delivered my
soul from death, and my feet from
falling ; * that I may walk before
God in the light of the living.
Psalm LVI.
[Another long title of uncertain meaning.
The Psalm seems to have been written for
a tune called "Destroy not," "by David,
when he fled from Saul in the cave" I
Kings (Sam.) xxii. I "David therefore
departed thence" (viz. from Gath) "and
escaped to the cave Adullam." See the
note on Ps. xxxiii., p. 78.]
T3E merciful unto me, O God,
*-* be merciful unto me : * for
my soul trusteth in Thee.
Yea, in the shadow of Thy wings
will I make my refuge, * until this
iniquity be overpast.
1 will cry unto God Most High :
* unto God, That performeth all
things for me.
1 Ps. lii. 7.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
Ill
He hath sent from heaven, and
saved me : * He hath given for a
reproach them that trod me down. 1
God hath sent forth His mercy
and His truth ; * and delivered my
soul from among the lions whelps ;
I was troubled in my sleep.
As for the sons of men, their
teeth are spears and arrows, * and
their tongue a sharp sword.
Be Thou exalted, O God, above
the heavens : * and let Thy glory
be over all the earth.
They prepared a net for my
steps ; * and bowed down my soul.
They digged a pit before me : *
into the midst whereof they are
fallen themselves. 1
Mine heart is ready, O God,
mine heart is ready : * I will sing,
and give praise.
Awake up, my glory ; awake,
psaltery and harp : * I will awake
early.
I will praise Thee, O Lord, among
the people ; * and sing unto Thee
among the nations.
For Thy mercy is great unto the
heavens, * and Thy truth unto the
clouds.
Be Thou exalted, O God, above
the heavens : * and let Thy glory
be above all the earth.
Antiphon. 2 For my soul trusteth
in Thee.
Third Antiphon. Judge uprightly.
Psalm LVII.
[This Psalm has the same title as the last,
except the historical reference.]
IF ye indeed speak righteousness,
* judge uprightly, O ye sons of
men.
Yea, in heart ye work wickedness :
* your hands weigh out violence in
the earth.
The wicked are estranged from
the womb, they go astray from the
belly, * speaking lies.
Their poison is like the poison of
a serpent : * they are like the deaf
adder, that stoppeth her ears ;
That will not hearken to the
voice of charmers, * nor of the
sorcerer charming never so wisely.
God shall break their teeth in
their mouth : * the LORD shall
break off the great teeth of the
lions.
They shall melt away as waters
which run down : * He bendeth.
His bow until they be shattered.
They shall melt away like melting
wax : * fire taketh hold upon them
and they see not the sun.
As thorns that are plucked up
before ever they be grown into a
bush : * so even in their greenness,
shall He root them up in His
anger.
The righteous shall rejoice when
he seeth the vengeance : * he shall
wash his hands in the blood of the
wicked.
And man shall say : Verily, there
is a reward for the righteous,
verily there is a God That judgeth
the earth.
Psalm LVII I.
[This Psalm has the same title as the two
last, with the addition : " when Saul sent,
and they watched the house, to kill him."
The occasion is thus described in I Kings
(Sam.) xix. 1 1. " Saul also sent messengers
unto David s house, to watch him, to slay
him in the morning ; and Michal, David s
wife, told him, saying : If thou save not thy
SLH.
I 12
THE PSALTER.
life to-night, to-morrow thou shall be slain.
So Michal let David down through a
window, and he went, and fled, and
escaped."]
me from mine ene-
mies, O my God : * and
defend me from them that rise up
against me.
Deliver me from the workers of
iniquity : * and save me from bloody
men.
For, lo, they lie in wait for my
life : * the mighty have fallen upon
me.
Not for my transgression, not for
my sin, O LORD ; * I ran and
ordered myself without fault.
Awake to meet me, and behold :
* O Thou, the LORD God of hosts,
the God of Israel !
Awake to visit all the heathen :
* be not merciful to any wicked
transgressors. 1
They come at evening and hunger
like dogs ; * and go round about
the city.
Behold, they yelp with their
mouth, and a sword is in their lips :
* for who, say they, doth hear ?
But Thou, O LORD, shalt laugh
at them : * Thou shalt bring all
the heathen to nought.
O my strength, I will wait upon
Thee, for Thou, O God, art my
defence : * the mercy of my God
shall receive me.
God shall let me see all my
desire upon mine enemies : slay
them not ; * lest my people forget.
Scatter them by Thy power : *
and bring them down, O Lord our
shield!
For the sin of their mouth, and
the words of their lips : * let them
even be taken in their pride ;
1 SLH.
And at the end they shall be
spoken of for cursing and lying :
* and in the wrath at the end they
shall perish.
And they shall know that God
ruleth in Jacob, * and unto the
ends of the earth. 1
They shall return at evening,
and hunger like dogs : * and go
round about the city.
They shall wander up and down
for meat; * and grudge if they be
not satisfied.
But I will sing of Thy power :
* yea, I will sing aloud of Thy
mercy in the morning.
For Thou hast been my defence,
* and refuge in the day of my
trouble.
Unto Thee, O my strength, will
I sing, for God is my defence, *
the God of my mercy.
Antiphon. 2 Judge uprightly, O
ye sons of men.
Fourth Antiphon. Give us.
Psalm LIX.
[This Psalm has a superscription, prob
ably musical, but the meaning of which is
now uncertain. It then proceeds: "Of
David, when he strove with Mesopotamia,
and with Western Syria, when Joab re
turned and smote of Edom in the valley
of Salt " (viz. the Jordan valley near the
Dead Sea) " twelve thousand." The oc
casion was some very successful wars which
David carried on against several neighbour
ing kings, and which are described in 2
Kings (Sam.) viii. and I Par. (Chron.)
xviii. The Psalm seems to have been
written under some temporary reverses
during the campaign.]
OGOD, Thou hast cast us off,
and scattered us : * Thou
hast been displeased, and hast had
mercy upon us.
2 Ps. Ivii. 2.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
Thou hast made the earth to
tremble, and hast broken it : *
heal the breaches thereof, for it
shaketh.
Thou hast showed Thy people
hard things : * Thou hast made
us to drink the wine of astonish
ment.
Thou hast given a warning to
them that fear Thee, * that they
may fly from before the bow. 1
That Thy beloved may be deliv
ered : * save with Thy right hand,
and hear me.
God hath spoken in His holi
ness : * I will rejoice and divide
Shechem, and mete out the valley
of booths. 2
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh
is mine : * Ephraim also is the
strength of mine head. 3
Judah is my King : * Moab is
the vessel [of the triumph] of mine
hope. 4
Over Edom will I cast out my
shoe : * over the " Strangers " 5
have I triumphed.
Who will bring me into the
strong city? * who will lead me
into Edom?
Wilt not Thou, O God, Who
hast cast us off? * and wilt not
Thou go out with our armies, O
God?
Give us help from trouble : *
for vain is the help of man.
Through God we shall do vali
antly : * for He it is That shall
tread down our enemies.
Psalm LX.
[Intituled "of David." It has also a
musical (?) superscription now of uncertain
meaning.]
7_J EAR my cry, O God : * attend
-* -* unto my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I
cried unto Thee : * when mine
heart was overwhelmed, Thou didst
lift me up upon a rock.
Thou didst lead me, for Thou
hast been a shelter for me, * a
strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Thy tabernacle
for ever : * I will make my
refuge in the covert of Thy
wings. 1
For Thou, O God, hast heard
my vows : * Thou hast given the
heritage to those that fear Thy
name.
Thou wilt prolong the King s
life : * and his years to many
generations.
He shall abide before God for
ever : * who will seek for His
mercy and truth?
So will I sing praise unto Thy
name for ever : * that I may daily
perform my vows.
Antiphon. 6 Give us help from
trouble, O Lord.
Fifth Antiphon. Doth not my
soul.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
commences with the words " Wait upon
God."
1 SLH.
2 Shechem, now Nablus, in the valley between Mounts Ebal and Gerizim, called the
" valley of booths " from those which Jacob erected there for his cattle. Gen. xxxiii. 17.
3 These three form the central district of the Land of Promise.
4 The Hebrew is " Moab is my wash-pot," that is, a receptacle for off-scourings. The
comparison is with the Divinely appointed sovereignty of Judah, respecting whom see
Gen. xlix. 10.
5 That is, the Philistines. 6 Ps. lix. 13.
114
THE PSALTER.
Psalm LXI.
[This Psalm has exactly the same super
scription as Ps. xxxviii.]
not my soul wait upon
God ? * for from Him com-
eth my salvation.
He only is my God and my
salvation : * He is my defence, I
shall not be greatly moved.
How long will ye run together
against a man ? * Do ye slay, all
of you [one that is] as a bowing
wall and as a tottering fence?
Truly they imagined to cast me
down from mine honour, when I
ran in my thirst : * they blessed
with their mouth and cursed in
their heart. 1
But wait thou on God, O my
soul : * for mine expectation is
from Him.
For He only is my God and my
salvation : * He is mine helper, I
shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my
glory : He is the God of my
strength, and my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him, ye congregation
of the people, pour out your heart
before him : * God is our help for
ever. 1
Surely the sons of men are vanity,
the sons of men are a lie in the
balance : * they are a deceit, alto
gether lighter than vanity.
Trust not in iniquity, and desire
not robbery : * if riches increase,
set not your heart upon them.
God hath spoken once, these two
things have I heard ; that power be-
longeth unto God : also unto Thee, O
Lord, belongeth mercy : * for Thou
shalt render to every man according
to his works.
Psalm LXI 1 1.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David " with a
farther superscription of meaning now
uncertain.]
T_T EAR my voice, O God, in my
* -*- prayer : * preserve my life
from fear of the enemy.
Thou hast hidden me from the
secret counsel of the wicked, * from
the insurrection of the workers of
iniquity.
For they whet their tongue like
a sword : * they bend their
bow, even bitter words, that they
may shoot in secret at the per
fect.
Suddenly do they shoot at him
and fear not : * they encourage
themselves in evil purpose.
They commune of laying snares
privily : * they say : Who shall see
them ?
They search out iniquities :
they accomplish a diligent search.
Man shall attain to thoughts that
are very deep : * but God shall
[still] be exalted.
The arrows of babes have pierced
them : * and their tongues are
weakened against them.
All that saw them were moved :
* and all men feared,
And declared the work of
God, * and understood His
doings.
The righteous shall be glad in
the LORD, and shall trust in Him :
* and all the upright in heart shall
glory.
Antiphon. 2 Doth not my soul
wait upon God ?
Sixth Antiphon. O bless our
God.
1 SLH.
Ps. Ixi. 2.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm LXV.
[Except the words " Psalm or Song " the
title of this Psalm is not now certainly
understood. The Vulgate and the LXX.
add "for the uprising."]
A l\ AKE a joyful noise unto God,
- all ye lands, sing forth the
honour of His name : * make His
praise glorious.
Say unto God : How terrible art
Thou in Thy works, O Lord! *
through the greatness of Thy power
shall Thine enemies feign to submit
themselves unto Thee.
Let all the earth worship Thee,
and sing unto Thee : let them
sing praises to Thy Name. 1
Come and see the works of God ;
* He is terrible in His counsels
toward the children of men.
He turned the sea into dry land,
they went through the flood on foot :
* there did we rejoice in Him.
He ruleth by His power for ever,
His eyes behold the nations : * let
not the rebellious exalt themselves. 1
bless our God, ye people : *
and make the voice of His praise to
be heard.
Who holdeth my soul in life :
* and suffereth not my feet to be
moved.
For Thou, O God, hast proved
us : * Thou hast tried us with fire,
as silver is tried.
Thou broughtest us into the net,
Thou laidst affliction upon our
back : * Thou hast caused men to
ride over our heads.
We went through fire and through
water : * and Thou broughtest us
out into a place of refreshment.
1 will go into Thine house with
burnt-offerings : * I will pay Thee
my vows, which my lips have uttered,
And my mouth hath spoken, *
when I was in trouble.
I will offer unto Thee burnt-
sacrifices of fatlings, with the in
cense of rams : * I will offer unto
Thee bullocks with goats. 1
Come, hear, all ye that fear God,
and I will declare * what He hath
done for my soul.
I cried unto Him with my mouth,
* and extolled Him with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in mine heart,
* the Lord will not hear me.
Therefore God hath heard me,
* and attended to the voice of my
prayer.
Blessed be God, * Who hath not
turned away my prayer, nor His
mercy from me.
Psalm LXVII.
[The meaning of the title of this Psalm,
except the ascription of authorship " To
David," is now uncertain.]
T ET God arise, and let His
enemies be scattered : * let
them also that hate Him flee before
Him.
As smoke is driven away, so let
them be driven away : * as wax
melteth before the fire, so let the
wicked perish at the presence of
God.
But let the righteous be glad, and
rejoice before God : * yea, let them
exceedingly rejoice.
Sing unto God, sing praises to
His name : * spread a path before
Him That rideth upon the heavens :
The LORD 2 is His name.
1 SLH.
2 "The LORD" is here, as elsewhere, substituted out of profound reverence for the real
name of God, the Unspeakable Word, called the " Tetragrammaton," from its four letters.
THE PSALTER.
Rejoice before Him : * fear shall
go before the face of Him That is
the Father of the fatherless, and the
Judge of the widows :
Even God in His holy habitation :
* God, That maketh men to be of
one mind in an house.
He bringeth out those which are
bound with chains, * but they that
provoke Him dwell among the
graves.
O God, when Thou wentest
forth before Thy people, * when
Thou didst march through the
wilderness l
The earth shook; the heavens
also dropped at the presence of the
God of Sinai, * at the presence of
the God of Israel.
Thou, O God, didst send a plen
tiful rain 2 upon Thine inheritance :
Thou didst refresh Thine inheri
tance when it was weary.
Thy flock dwelt therein : * Thou,
O God, didst provide in Thy good
ness for the poor.
The Lord gave the word * to
the great company that published
it.
3 The king of the hosts is [fallen
into the hands] of the Well-beloved :
* and the fair ones that tarried at
home have divided the spoils.
Though ye have lien among the
sheep-folds, 4 yet shall ye be as the
wings of a dove, covered with silver,
* and her tail-feathers with yellow
gold.
When the [God] of heaven had
scattered kings in it, then white as
with snow was Salmon, 5 * that hill
of God, that fruitful hill.
An hill of many peaks, a fruitful
hill : * why look ye enviously upon
the high hills ?
This 6 is the hill which God de-
sireth to dwell in : * yea, the LORD
will dwell in it unto the end.
The chariots of God are many
times ten thousand, even thousands
of the blessed : * the Lord is among
them; [as] in Sinai, [so] in the
Holy place.
Thou hast ascended on high,
Thou hast led captivity captive : *
Thou hast received gifts among
men,
Even them that believe not *
that the LORD God dwelleth among
them.
Blessed be the Lord daily : * the
God of our salvation maketh our
way prosperous. 7
He That is our God is the God
of salvation : * and unto the LORD,
even the Lord, belong the issues
from death.
But God shall wound the head
of His enemies : * the hairy scalp
of such an one as goeth on still
in his trespasses.
The Lord said : I will bring
52 Perhaps the manna is meant.
It need not be remarked that the sense of this verse is very obscure. In the view of
P ^ ree , k ,, translators there see s to be a play upon the name of David, which signifies
-Beloved. _ Perhaps an allusion to an army camping out in the fields.
A mountain in Samaria, near Shechem, where David won great victories over some
neighbouring kings See Ps. lix., p. 63. Gesenius thinks that white as with snow" is
e understood "white with the bleached bones of the slain." But a modern writer,
scribing a battle in the Soudan, and the defeat and flight of the Dervishes, says, " they
broke, and fled leaving the field white with jibbah-clad corpses, like a meadow dotted
with snowdrifts.
6 Namely, perhaps, the group of hills on which Jerusalem stands, as opposed to the
higher and more picturesque mountains at Shechem. 7 SLH.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
117
them again from Bashan l : * I will
bring them back from the depths
of the sea.
That thy foot may be dipped in
the blood of thine enemies, * the
tongue of thy dogs in the same.
They have seen Thy goings, O
God, * even the goings of my God,
my King, Which dwelleth in the
sanctuary.
The singers went before, the
players on instruments followed
after, * among the damsels playing
with timbrels.
Bless ye God in the congrega
tions, even the Lord, * ye that are
of the fountains of Israel !
There is little Benjamin, * in the
joy of his heart,
The princes of Judah, their
leaders, * the princes of Zabulon,
the princes of Nephthali.
Command it, O God, in Thy
strength : * strengthen, O God, that
which Thou hast wrought for us.
Because of thy temple at Jeru
salem, * shall kings bring presents
unto Thee.
Rebuke the beasts of the reeds, 2
the multitude of the bulls with the
cows of the people, * [who watch]
that they may cut off them that are
tried like silver. 3
Scatter Thou the people that de
light in war : ambassadors shall come
out of Egypt : * Ethiopia shall soon
stretch out her hands unto God.
Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of
the earth : * O sing praises unto
the Lord. 4
O sing praises unto God, even
unto Him that rideth upon the
heaven of heavens * from the day-
spring.
Lo, He shall send out His voice,
and that a mighty voice. Ascribe
ye strength unto God ; * over Israel
is His excellency, and His strength
is in the clouds.
God is wonderful in His holy
places: the God of Israel is He
That shall give strength and power
unto his people : * blessed be God.
Antiphon? O bless our God, ye
people.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. The LORD cometh out of
His holy place.
Answer. He will come and save
His people.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 6 O God, I have declared
my life unto Thee.
Answer. Thou hast put my tears
in Thy sight.
In Lent.
Verse. His truth shall be thy
shield.
Answer. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night.
In Passion time.
Verse. Take not away my soul
with sinners, O God.
1 The campaign of David related in 2 Kings (Sam.) viii. and I Par. (Chron.) xviii.
extended to this neighbourhood.
2 Perhaps meaning wild buffaloes. As to the comparison of the enemy to wild cattle,
compare Ps. xxi. 13, " Many bulls have compassed me, strong bulls have beset me round."
( If the words are to be taken thus, the reference is perhaps to David s veterans, but the
lore likely to be " those that submissively offer in tribute pieces of silver."
5 T&gt;_ 1 O -- i
meaning seems more
4 SLH,
5 Ps. Ixv. 8.
6 Ps. Iv. 9.
iiS
THE PSALTER.
Answer. Nor my life with bloody
men.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The disciples were glad,
Alleluia.
Answer. When they saw the Lord,
Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the Third
Nocturn of the preceding Sunday, ex
cept necessary differences. The Lessons
are those of the day. The Responsories
are arranged according to the rules in
Chapter xxvii. 4, 5, of the General
Rubrics.
Simple Feasts. It is to be remem
bered that when a Simple Feast is kept
on Wednesday, the Invitatory and Hymn
are of the Feast, being taken from the
Common of Saints of the class, unless
specially given. Then the Psalms and
Antiphons of the week- day, as given
above. Then is said a Verse and An
swer as follows ;
For one or many Martyrs in Paschal
time.
Verse. l Everlasting joy upon
their heads, Alleluia.
Answer. They shall obtain joy
and gladness, Alleluia.
For one Martyr, (out of Paschal time.}
Verse. 2 His glory is great in
Thy salvation.
Answer. Honour and great ma
jesty shalt Thou lay upon him.
For many Martyrs, (out of Paschal
time.}
Verse. 3 The righteous shall live
for evermore.
Answer. Their reward also is
with the Lord.
For a Bishop and Confessor.
Verse. 4 Thou art a Priest for
ever.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
1 Isa. xxxv. 10. 2 Ps. xx. 6. 3 Wisd.
Answer. After the order of Mel-
chisedeck.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
For a Confessor not a Bishop.
Verse. 5 The law of his God is
in his heart.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. And his steps shall not
slide.
[/?/ Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
For one Holy Woman of any kind.
Verse. God hath chosen her, and
fore-chosen her.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. He hath made her to
dwell in His tabernacle.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
The others, as well as what follows,
to the end of the Service, are taken from
the Third Nocturn of the Office Common
to Saints of the class, unless something
special be appointed, except necessary
differences. The Lessons are arranged
according to the rules in Chapter xxvi.
4, of the general Rubrics. The Hymn
"We praise Thee, O God," is said at
the end, instead of a Third Responsory.
The Responsories are arranged accord
ing to the Rules in Chapter xxvii. 4, 5, of
the General Rubrics. Thus :
The Lord s Prayer is said :
OUR Father (inaudibly), Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer.
evil.
But deliver us from
v. 16. 4 Ps. cix. 4. 5 Ps. xxxvi. 31.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
119
Then this Absolution :
IV /["AY the Almighty and merciful
V*. Lord loose us from the bonds
of our sins.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be from
Scripture.
May His blessing be upon us,
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be of an
Homily.
May the Gospel s saving Lord
Bless the reading of His Word.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing on a Simple Feast.
May His blessing be upon us
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the First Lesson from
Scripture or from the Homily, or on a
Simple Feast either the First from
Scripture, or, if the Sai?it or Saints
have two Lessons, the whole three from
Scripttire read together as one.
Then the First Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week- day kept
as such, this is the First Responsory of
the preceding Simday. On a Simple
Feast, the First Responsory in the Com
mon Office for the class to which the
Saint belongs.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture or from an Homily.
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Second Blessing, for a Simple Feast.
He (or She or They) whose feast-day
we are keeping
Plead for us before the Lord.
Ansiver. Amen.
Then is read the Second Lesson, either
from Scripture or from an Homily, or
on a Simple Feast either the Second
and Third Lessons from Scripture
read together as one, or if the Saint
or Saints have two Lessons, the first
of these.
Then the Second Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the Second Responsory
of the preceding Sunday, but in Paschal
time there is added to it :
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
And the Answer of the Responsory is
repeated again.
On a Simple Feast the Second Re
sponsory in the Common Office for the
class to which the Saint belongs, with
the addition of "Glory be to the
Father," &*c., and the repetition of
the Answer.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Third Blessing.
May He That is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Third Lesson either
from Scripture, or of the Homily, or on
Simple Feasts the Second or only Lesson
of the Saint.
Then, on Simple Feasts and on any
day in Paschal time is said the Hymn,
"We praise Thee, O God." But on
week-days kept as such out of Paschal
time the Third Respo?isory of the pre
ceding Sunday.
I2O
THE FOURTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sundays, except as other
wise given here.
The Psalms arc as follows:
Antiphon. Wash me.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, c., (/.
Antiphon. Wash me throughly
from mine iniquity, O Lord.
Second Antiphon. Praise be-
cometh Thee.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, " O God, in
Zion."
Psalm LX1V.
[Intituled "A Psalm. A Song of
David," with a musical (?) superscription.
The Vulgate adds that its use was pre
scribed by Jeremiah and Ezekiel to the
exiles when they began to return from
the Captivity.]
PRAISE becometh Thee, O God,
in Zion : * and unto Thee
shall the vow be performed in Jeru
salem.
Hear my prayer : * unto Thee
shall all flesh come.
Iniquities prevail against us : *
but as for our transgressions, Thou
shalt purge them away.
Blessed is the man whom Thou
choosest, and causest to come near
unto Thee : * he shall dwell in
Thy courts :
We shall be satisfied with the
goodness of Thine house : * Thy
temple is holy, terrible in right
eousness.
Answer us, O God of our salva
tion : * Thou that art the confidence
of all the ends of the earth, and
of the uttermost parts of the sea!
Thou that by Thy strength settest
fast the mountains, being girded
with power : * Thou that stirrest
up the depth of the sea, and the
noise of his waves !
The heathen shall be troubled.
They that dwell in the uttermost
parts shall be afraid at Thy tokens :
* Thou makest the outgoings of the
morning and evening to rejoice.
Thou visitest the earth and water-
est it : * Thou greatly enrichest it :
The river of God is full of water :
Thou makest ready their corn, * for
Thou hast so prepared it.
Drench her furrows, increase the
fruits thereof: * the springing there
of shall rejoice at her showers.
Thou crownest the year with Thy
goodness : * and Thy fields teem
with fruitfulness.
The green places of the wilder-
WEDNESDAY AT LAUDS.
121
ness wax fruitful : * and the little
hills are girded with joy.
The pastures are clothed with
flocks ; the valleys also overflow
with corn : * they shout for joy,
yea, they sing.
Antiphon. Praise becometh Thee,
O God, in Zion.
Third Antiphon. O my God.
Psalms LXII., LXVI.
O God, Thou art my God, &c.,
Antiphon. O my God, my lips
shall praise Thee while I live.
Fourth Antiphon. The LORD
shall judge.
THK SONG OF HANNAH, (i Kings
(Sam.) ii.)
[Composed by her when she brought her
son Samuel and presented him to the LORD.
See i Kings (Sam.) i. ii., (Monday and
Tuesday after Trinity Sunday.)]
heart rejoiceth in the
LORD, * and mine horn is
exalted in my GOD : l
My mouth is enlarged over mine
enemies : * because I rejoice in Thy
salvation.
There is none holy as the LORD ;
for there is none beside Thee : *
neither is there any mighty like our
God.
Talk no more * so exceeding
proudly.
Let your old arrogancy depart out
of your mouth : for the LORD is a
God of knowledge, * and by Him
thoughts are judged.
The bows of the mighty men are
broken, * and they that stumbled
are girded with strength.
They that were full have hired
out themselves for bread : * and
they that were hungry are filled.
So that the barren hath borne
fruitfully : * and she that had many
children is waxed feeble.
The LORD killeth, and maketh
alive : * He bringeth down to the
grave, and bringeth up.
The LORD maketh poor, and
maketh rich: * He bringeth low,
and lifteth up.
He raiseth up the poor out of the
dust, * and lifteth up the beggar
from the dunghill,
To set them among princes, * and
to make them inherit the throne of
glory :
For the pillars of the earth are
the LORD S, * and He hath set the
world upon them.
He will keep the feet of His
saints, and the wicked shall be silent
in darkness : * for by his strength
shall no man prevail.
The adversaries of the LORD shall
be made to fear Him : * out of
heaven also shall He thunder upon
them.
The LORD shall judge the ends
of the earth : and He shall give
strength unto His King, * and exalt
the horn of His Anointed.
Antiphon. The LORD shall judge
the ends of the earth.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise God.
Psalms CXLVIII., CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD from the
heavens, &&amp;lt;:., (//. 25, 26).
Antiphon. Praise God, ye heavens
of heavens.
The Divine Name.
122
THE PSALTER.
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
The night is far spent, &c., (as on
Monday, p. 89).
HYMN. 1
HAUNTING gloom and flitting
shades,
Ghastly shapes, away !
Christ is rising, and pervades
Highest Heaven with day.
He with His bright spear the Anight
Dazzles and pursues ;
Earth wakes up, and glows with light
Of a thousand hues.
Thee, O Christ, and Thee alone,
With a single mind,
We with chant and plaint would own ;
To thy flock be kind.
Much it needs Thy light divine,
Spot and stain to clean ;
Light of Angels, on us shine
With Thy face serene.
To the Father, and the Son,
And the Holy Ghost,
Here be glory, as is done
By the angelic host. Amen.
Verse. Thou hast satisfied us
early with Thy mercy.
Answer. We rejoice and are glad.
Antiphon for the Song of Zacharias.
O Lord, save us * from the hand of
all that hate us.
Commemoration of the Cross before the
other Commemorations, and Long Preces
in Advent and Lent, on the Ember
Wednesdays (except that of Pentecost)
and on Fast-days, as on Monday.
1 Hymn founded on hymn in the Cathemerinon of Prudentius ; translation by the late
Card. Newman.
I2 3
at JEattins.
THE FIFTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as other
wise given here.
Invitatory.
hath made us
worship Him.
It is the Lord That
: * O come, let
Psalm LXVIII.
[Intituled "Of David," with
certain) musical (?) direction.]
(now un-
US
me,
are
HYMN. 1
A LL tender lights, all hues divine,
-** The night has swept away ;
Shine on us, Lord, and we shall shine
Bright in an inward day.
The spots of guilt, sin s wages base,
Searcher of hearts, we own ;
Wash us and robe us in Thy grace,
Who didst for sins atone.
O God; for the
come in unto my
CAVE
^ waters
soul.
I sink in deep mire, * where
there is no standing.
I am come into the depth of the
sea, * and the flood overfloweth me.
I am weary of my crying, my
throat is dried : * mine eyes fail,
v/hile I wait for my God.
They that hate me without a
The sluggard soul, that bears their cause, * are more than the hairs of
mark,
Shrinks in its silent lair,
Or gropes amid its chambers dark
For Thee, Who art not there.
Redeemer ! send Thy piercing rays,
That we may bear to be
Set in the light of Thy pure gaze,
And yet rejoice in Thee.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Only one No c turn is said.
Antiphon. Make haste.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon
is said to the whole Nocturn. Alleluia.
mine head.
They that would destroy me,
being mine enemies wrongfully, are
mighty : * then I restored that
which I took not away.
O God, Thou knowest my fool
ishness : * and my faults are not
hid from Thee.
Let not them that wait on Thee,
O Lord, be ashamed for my sake, *
Thou LORD of hosts.
Let not those that seek Thee *
be confounded for my sake, O God
of Israel.
Because for Thy sake I have
borne reproach : * shame hath
covered my face.
Ambrosian hymn ; translation by the late Card. Newman.
I2 4
THE PSALTER.
I am become a stranger unto my
brethren, * and an alien unto my
mother s children.
For the zeal of Thine house hath
eaten me up : * and the reproaches
of them that reproached Thee are
fallen upon me.
And I chastened my soul with
fasting : * and that was to my re
proach.
I made sackcloth also my gar
ment, * and I became a proverb to
them.
They that sat in the gate spake
against me, * and I was the song of
the drunkards.
But as for me, my prayer is unto
Thee, O LORD : * in an acceptable
time, O God !
In the multitude of Thy mercy
hear me, * in the truth of Thy
salvation !
Deliver me out of the mire, that
I sink not : * deliver me from them
that hate me, and out of the deep
waters.
Let not the waterflood overflow
me, neither let the deep swallow me
up,
and let not the pit shut her
mouth upon me.
Hear me, O LORD, for Thy
loving - kindness is good : * turn
unto me according to the multitude
of Thy tender mercies.
And hide not Thy face from Thy
servant, * for I am in trouble ; hear
me speedily.
Draw nigh unto my soul, and re
deem it : * deliver me because of
mine enemies.
Thou knowest my reproach, and
my shame, * and my dishonour.
Mine adversaries are all before
Thee : * mine heart hath looked for
reproach and bitterness.
And I looked for some to take
pity on me, and there was none : *
and for comforters, and I found
none.
They gave me also gall for meat :
* and in my thirst they gave me
vinegar to drink.
Let their table be made a snare
before them, * and a recompense,
and a stumbling-block.
Let their eyes be darkened, that
they see not : * and ever bow Thou
down their back.
Pour out Thine indignation upon
them, * and let Thy wrathful anger
take hold of them.
Let their habitation be desolate :
* and let none dwell in their tents.
For they persecute him whom
Thou hast smitten : and they
embitter the pain of my wounds.
Add iniquity unto their iniquity :
* and let them not come into Thy
righteousness.
Let them be blotted out of the
book of the living : * and not be
written with the righteous.
But I am poor and sorrowful : *
Thy salvation, O God, hath set me
up on high.
I will praise the name of God
with a psalm, * and will magnify
Him with thanksgiving.
And it shall please GOD better
than a young bullock, * that hath
horns and hoofs.
Let the humble see this and be
glad, * seek God, and your soul
shall live.
For the LORD heareth the poor :
* and despiseth not His prisoners.
Let the heaven and earth praise
Him, * the sea, and everything
that moveth therein.
For God will save Zion, * and
the cities of Judah shall be built
up.
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
125
And they shall dwell there, *
and have it in possession.
The seed also of His servants
shall inherit it, * and they that
love His name shall dwell therein.
Psalm LXIX.
[Intituled "Of David, to bring to re
membrance " with another (now uncertain)
musical (?) superscription. The Vulgate
and the LXX. add to remembrance "how
the Lord had saved him " ; the Targum
associates the Psalm with the offering of
the incense. This Psalm is a repetition
of the last four verses of Ps. xxxix.]
IX/TAKE haste, O God, to de-
^V^ liver me : * make haste to
help me, O LORD.
Let them be ashamed and con
founded, * that seek after my
soul.
Let them be turned backward
and put to confusion, * that de
sire mine hurt.
Let them be turned back with
shame, * that say unto me, Aha,
Aha.
Let all those that seek Thee be
joyful and glad in Thee, * and let
such as love Thy salvation say con
tinually : Let the Lord be magnified.
But I am poor and needy : *
help me, O God.
Thou art mine help and my
deliverer : * O LORD, make no
tarrying.
Antiphon. 1 Make haste, O Lord
God, to deliver me.
Second Antiphon. Be Thou my
God.
Psalm LXX.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. give the
heading, "A Psalm of David ; of the Sons
of Jonadab, and the first Captives." The
sons of Jonadab are the descendants of
Jonadab, the son of Rechab, of whose
faithfulness to observe a nomadic life,
and to abstain from wine, it is written
in Jer. xxxv. 19: "Therefore thus saith
the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel :
Jonadab, the son of Rechab, shall not
want a man to stand before me for
ever." They had taken refuge at Jeru
salem to escape the incursions of Nebu
chadnezzar, and the meaning seems to
be that when they and others were carried
away as captives, they made special use
of this Psalm.]
TN Thee, O LORD, have I put
^ my trust, let me never be put
to confusion : * deliver me in Thy
righteousness, and cause me to es
cape.
Incline Thine ear unto me, *
and save me.
Be Thou my God, my Pro
tector, and my strong habitation,
* to save me.
For Thou art my rock, * and
my fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, out of
the hand of the wicked, * and out
of the hand of the unrighteous and
cruel man.
For Thou art mine hope, O Lord :
* O LORD, Thou art my trust from
my youth.
By Thee have I been holden up
from the womb : * Thou art my
defence from my mother s bowels.
My praise shall be continually
of Thee : * I am a wonder unto
many : but Thou art my strong
refuge.
Let my mouth be filled with
Thy praise, that I may sing of
Thy glory, * all the day long of
Thy greatness.
Cast me not off in the time of
old age : * forsake me not when
my strength faileth.
1 Ps. Ixix. i.
126
THE PSALTER.
For mine enemies * speak against
me, * and they that lay wait for
my soul take counsel together,
Saying : God hath forsaken him :
persecute and take him, * for there
is none to deliver him.
O God, be not far from me : *
O my God, make haste for mine
help.
Let them be confounded and
consumed that are adversaries to
my soul : * let them be covered
with reproach and dishonour, that
seek mine hurt.
But I will hope continually, *
and will yet praise Thee more and
more.
My mouth shall show forth Thy
righteousness, * Thy salvation all
the day.
And because I know not the tale
thereof, I will go in the strength of
the Lord : * O LORD, I will make
mention of Thy righteousness, even
of Thine only.
God, Thou hast taught me
from my youth : and hitherto
have I declared Thy wondrous
works.
Now also when I am old and
grey-headed, * O God, forsake me
not,
Until I have showed Thy strength
* unto all generations, that are to
come.
Thy power and Thy righteous
ness, O God, are in the highest,
Who hast done great things : * O
God, who is like unto Thee?
Thou Who hast showed me great
and sore troubles, shalt quicken me
again : * and bring me up again
from the depths of the earth.
Thou hast increased Thy great
ness : * and again comforted me.
1 will also praise Thee on the
psaltery, even Thy truth : * O
God, unto Thee will I sing with
the harp, O Thou Holy One of
Israel !
My lips shall be fain when I sing
unto Thee, * and my soul which
Thou hast redeemed.
My tongue also shall talk of Thy
righteousness all the day long : * for
they are confounded and brought
unto shame that seek mine hurt.
PSALM LXXI.
[Intituled " Of Solomon," that is, written
concerning him.]
GIVE the king Thy judgment, O
God, * and Thy righteousness
unto the king s son.
To judge Thy people with right
eousness, and Thy poor with
judgment.
The mountains shall receive peace
with the people, * and the little hills
righteousness.
He shall judge the poor of the
people, and save the children of the
needy, * and shall break in pieces
the false accuser.
And he shall endure with the sun,
and before the moon, * throughout
all generations.
He shall come down like rain
upon a fleece, * and as showers that
water the earth.
In his days shall righteousness
flourish, and abundance of peace,
* so long as the moon endureth.
He shall have dominion also from
sea to sea : * and from the river
unto the ends of the earth.
The Ethiopians shall fall before
him : * and his enemies shall lick
the dust.
The kings of Tarshish, and of the
isles shall bring presents : * the
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
127
kings of Arabia and Saba l shall
offer gifts.
Yea, all the kings of the earth
shall fall down before him : all
nations shall serve him.
For he shall deliver the needy
from the strong, * the poor also that
hath no helper.
He shall spare the poor and
needy, * and shall save the souls of
the needy.
He shall redeem their soul from
fraud and violence : * and precious
shall their name be in his sight.
And he shall live, and to him
shall be given of the gold of Arabia ;
prayer also shall be made for him
continually ; * all the day long shall
he be blessed.
And there shall be a staff of
bread in the land, upon the top of
the mountains ; the fruit thereof
shall be higher than Lebanon : *
and they of the city shall flourish
like grass of the earth.
Blessed be his name for ever : *
his name endureth as long as the sun.
And in him shall all the kindreds
of the earth be blessed : * all nations
shall call him blessed.
Blessed be the LORD God of Is
rael, * Who only doth wondrous
things.
And blessed be His glorious
Name for ever : * and let the whole
earth be filled with his glory : Amen,
Amen. 2
Antiphon. 3 Be Thou my God,
my protector.
Third Antiphon. Thou hast re
deemed the rod.
Psalm LXXII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of Asaph."]
God is good to Israel, *
to such as are upright in
heart.
But as for me, my feet were al
most gone : * my steps had well
nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the un
righteous, * when I saw the pros
perity of the wicked.
For they have no thought of
death : * and they are uncon
cerned in trial.
They are not in trouble as other
men, * neither are they plagued like
other men.
Therefore pride compasseth them
about, * violence and ungodliness
cover them as a garment.
Their iniquity ariseth as it were
from fatness : * they have more
than heart could wish.
They think and speak wickedness :
* they speak loftily concerning op
pression.
They set their mouth against the
heavens, * and their tongue walketh
through the earth.
Therefore my people turn aside
after them : * and the men of their
day run after them.
And they say : How doth God
know, * and is there knowledge in
the Most High ?
Behold, these are the ungodly,
who prosper in the world, * they
increase in riches.
And I said : Then I have cleansed
mine heart in vain, * and washed
mine hands in innocency.
1 This seems to be Meroe, a province of Ethiopia.
2 After this, there is the following notification, "The prayers of David, the son of
Jesse, are ended, 1 and this is the end of the second of the five books into which the
Psalter is divided. 3 Ps. Ixx. 3.
128
THE PSALTER.
For all the day long have I been
plagued, * and chastened every
morning.
If I say : I will speak thus : *
behold, I should disown the gener
ation of Thy children.
And I thought to know this, *
it was too hard for me ;
Until I went into the Sanctuary
of God, * and understood their
hereafter.
Surely Thou dost set them in
slippery places : * Thou castest
them down even in their pros
perity.
How are they brought into deso
lation ? In a moment are they
perished, " they are utterly con
sumed because of their wickedness.
As a dream when one awaketh,
Lord, * Thou shalt bring their
image to nought in Thy city.
For mine heart was on fire, and
1 was pricked in my reins ; * and I
was brought to nothing and knew
not :
I became as a beast before Thee :
* nevertheless I am continually with
Thee:
Thou hast holden me by my
right hand, and guided me accord
ing to Thy will, * and received me
to glory.
For what have I in heaven, * and
what is there upon earth that I
desire beside Thee ?
My flesh and mine heart faileth :
* Thou art the God of mine heart,
and God is my portion for ever.
For, lo, they that go far from
Thee shall perish : * Thou hast
destroyed all them that go a whor
ing from Thee.
But it is good for me to draw
near to God : * to put my trust in
the Lord GOD,
That I may declare all Thy
praises, * in the gates of the
daughter of Zion.
Psalm LXXIII.
[Intituled "A didactic (?) Psalm of
Asaph."]
GOD, why hast Thou cast us
off for ever : * why doth
Thine anger smoke against the
sheep of Thy pasture ?
Remember Thy congregation, *
which Thou hast purchased of
old.
Thou hast redeemed the rod of
Thine inheritance : * Mount Zion
wherein Thou hast dwelt.
Lift up Thine hands against their
perpetual pride : * even all that
the enemy hath done wickedly in
the sanctuary !
They also that hate Thee roar, *
in the midst of Thy solemn con
gregation.
They set up their ensigns for
trophies * on the pinnacles [of Thy
temple] as though it had been the
gate [of their own city] ; and con
sidered not !
As the fellers in a wood of thick
trees, so did they hew down the
gates thereof: * they have broken
it down with axes and hammers.
They have set on fire Thy Sanc
tuary : * they have defiled the
dwelling-place of Thy name by
casting it down to the ground.
The sort of them said in their
hearts with one consent : * Let us
put away the feast-days of God out
of the land.
We see not our signs, there is no
more any prophet : * and none
knoweth us any more.
O God, how long shall the ad-
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
I2 9
versary reproach ? * Shall the enemy
blaspheme Thy name for ever ?
Why withdrawest Thou Thine
hand, even Thy right hand, * from
Thy bosom for ever ?
But God is our King of old, *
working salvation in the midst of
the earth.
Thou by Thy strength didst
make the sea to stand on an heap :
Thou brakest the heads of the
dragons in the waters.
Thou brakest the heads of le
viathan in pieces : * Thou gavest
him to be meat to the people 1 of
Ethiopia.
Thou didst cleave the fountains
and the floods : * Thou driedst up
the rivers of Ethan. 2
The day is Thine, the night also
is Thine : * Thou hast created the
light and the sun.
Thou hast set all the borders of
the earth: * Thou hast made
summer and spring.
Remember this, that the enemy
hath reproached the LORD : * and
that a foolish people have blas
phemed Thy name.
O deliver not unto beasts the
souls of them that praise Thee : *
and forget not the souls of Thy poor
for ever.
Have respect unto Thy cove
nant : * for the dark places of the
earth are full of the habitations of
cruelty.
O let not the oppressed return
ashamed : * let the poor and needy
praise Thy name.
Arise, O God, judge Thine own
cause : * remember how the foolish
man reproacheth Thee daily.
Forget not the voice of Thine
enemies : * the pride of them that
hate Thee ascendeth continually.
Antiphon. 3 Thou hast redeemed
the rod of Thine inheritance.
Fourth Antiphon. And we will
call.
Psalrn LXXIV.
[Intituled " A Psalm A Song of Asaph,"
with a superscription of meaning now un
certain, but, in part, indicating the tune
"Destroy not." The Targum says that it
was composed as a thanksgiving at the time
when David said " Destroy not thy people,"
and the occasion meant is probably that of
the plague provoked by David s number
ing of the people, as related in the last
chapter of 2 Kings (Sam.)]
T INTO Thee, O God, will we
^ give thanks : * we will give
thanks and call upon Thy name.
We will declare Thy wondrous
works : * when I shall take a set
time, I will judge uprightly.
The earth and all the inhabitants
thereof are dissolved : * I bear up
the pillars of it. 4
I said unto the wicked : Deal
not wickedly: * and to the evil
doers : Lift not up your horn on
high.
Lift not up your horn on high :
speak not wickedness against
God.
For neither from the east, nor
from the west, nor from the desert
mountains : * for God is the judge :
He putteth down one, and setteth
up another : * for in the hand of the
People probably referring to the wild beasts, (as in Proverbs xxx. 25 26 "The ants
are a people not strong the conies are but a feeble folk ") who ate the dead bodies of the
l^gyptians (whose power seems meant by the leviathan) washed upon the shores of the
Red Sea.
Ethan = continuity "The continuously flowing streams "
Ps. Ixxiii. 2.
VOL. III.
130
THE PSALTER.
LORD there is a cup of strong wine
full of mixture. 1
And he turneth it this way and
that : surely the dregs thereof are
not wrung out : * all the wicked of
the earth shall drink them.
But I will declare for ever : * I
will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
All the horns of the wicked also
will I break : * and the horns of the
righteous shall be exalted.
Psalm LXXV.
[Intituled " A Psalm A Song of Asaph,"
with a farther superscription similar to the
preceding. The Vulgate and the LXX. add
"against the Assyrians " ; the meaning pro
bably is that it was found appropriate as a
Psalm of thanksgiving after the destruction
of the Assyrians (3 (2) Kings xix. 35).]
T N Judah is God known : * His
-* name is great in Israel.
And His tabernacle is in "Peace," 2
* and His dwelling-place in Zion.
There brake He the arrows of the
bow, * the shield, the sword, and
the battle. 3
When Thou didst make Thy light
to shine forth right wondrously from
the everlasting hills : * all they that
were foolish of heart were troubled :
They have slept their sleep : *
and all the men of riches have found
nothing in their hands.
At Thy rebuke, O God of Jacob,
* they that rode upon horses are
cast into a dead sleep.
Thou art to be feared ; and who
shall withstand Thee, * when once
Thou art angry ?
Thou didst cause judgment to
be heard from heaven : * the earth
trembled and was still,
When God arose to judgment, *
to save all the meek of the earth. 3
For the thoughts of man shall
praise Thee : * the remainder of
his thoughts shall keep holy his days
before Thee.
Vow, and pay unto the LORD
your God : * all ye that are round
about Him bring presents,
Even unto Him That ought to be
feared, and that cutteth off the spirit
of princes, * to Him That is terrible
among the kings of the earth.
Antiphon. 4 And we will call
upon Thy name, O Lord.
Fifth Antiphon. Thou art the
God.
Psalm LXXVI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of Asaph," with a
musical (?) direction, addressed to Jeduthun.]
T CRIED unto the Lord with my
-** voice ; * even unto God with
my voice, and He gave ear unto
me.
In the day of my trouble I
sought the Lord ; in the night with
my hands I sought Him * and failed
not.
My soul refused to be comforted :
* I remembered God, and rejoiced,
and pondered, and my spirit was
overwhelmed. 3
Mine eyes anticipated the night
watches : * I was troubled, and
spake not.
I have considered the days of old,
* and had in mind the everlasting
years.
In the night also I commune with
mine own heart : * and I mused,
and searched out mine own spirit.
1 Aromatic herbs, &c., were mixed with wine to make it more intoxicating.
Smith s Diet, of the Bible, Wine.
See
2 Peace a translation of "Salem."
8 SLH.
4 Ps. Ixxiv. 2.
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
Will God cast off for ever? * or
will He be favourable no more ?
Or will He put away His mercy
for ever, * to generation and genera
tion?
Or hath God forgotten to be
gracious ? * or will He in His anger
shut up His tender mercies ? l
And I said : Now have I begun :
* the change cometh of the right
hand of the Most High.
I remembered the works of the
LORD: * surely I will remember
Thy wonders of old.
I will meditate also of all Thy
work : * and talk of Thy doings.
Thy way, O God, is in the sanc
tuary. Who is so great a God as our
God? * Thou art the God That
doest wonders.
Thou hast declared Thy strength
among the people : * Thou hast with
Thine arm redeemed Thy people,
the sons of Jacob and Joseph. 1
The waters saw Thee, O God,
the waters saw Thee : * and they
were afraid, the depths also were
troubled.
There was a noise as of many
waters, * the clouds sent out a
sound.
Thine arrows also went abroad :
* the voice of Thy thunder rolled.
Thy lightnings lightened the
-world : * the earth trembled and
shook.
Thy way is in the sea, and Thy
paths in the great waters : * and
Thy footsteps are not known.
Thou leddest Thy people like a
flock, * by the hand of Moses and
Aaron.
Psalm LXXVII.
[Intituled " A didactic (?) poem of
Asaph."]
ear, O my people, to my
law : * incline your ears to
the words of my mouth.
1 will open my mouth in para
bles : * I will utter dark sayings
of old.
Which we have heard and known,
* and our fathers have told us.
They are not hidden from their
children, in the generation to
come :
Showing the praises of the LORD,
and His mighty acts, * and His
wonderful works that He hath done.
He established also a testimony
in Jacob, * and appointed a law
in Israel.
Which He commanded our fathers
that they should make known to
their children : * that the generation
to come may know them,
Even the children which shall be
born and arise, * and declare them
to their children ;
That they may set their hope in
God, and not forget the works of
God, * but keep His command
ments.
And may not be as their fathers,
* a stubborn and rebellious gen
eration,
A generation that set not their
heart aright, * and whose spirit
was not steadfast with God.
2 The children of Ephraim bend
ing and shooting with bows, * turned
back in the day of battle.
They kept not the covenant of
1 SLH.
2 The next few verses perhaps relate to the refusal of the children of Israel to in
vade the Land of Promise when they first reached it, owing to fear of the inhabitants.
.Numb. xiv.
132
THE PSALTER.
God, * and refused to walk in
His law.
And forgot His works, * and
His wonders that He had showed
them.
Marvellous things did He in the
sight of their fathers, in the land of
Egypt, * in the plain of Tanis. 1
He divided the sea, and caused
them to pass through, * and He
made the waters to stand as an
heap.
In the day - time also He led
them with a cloud, * and all the
night with a light of fire.
He clave the rock in the wil
derness, * and gave them drink
as out of the great depth.
He brought water also out of
the rock, * and caused waters to
run down like rivers.
And they sinned yet more against
Him, * and provoked the Most
High in the wilderness.
And they tempted God in their
hearts, * to ask meat for their
lust.
Yea, they spake against God : *
they said : Can God furnish a table
in the wilderness ?
Behold, He smote the rock, and
the waters gushed out, * and the
streams overflowed.
Can He give bread also, ** or
furnish a table for His people?
Therefore the LORD heard this,
and was wroth : * so a fire was
kindled against Jacob, and anger
came up against Israel.
Because they believed . not in
God, * and trusted not in His
salvation.
And He commanded the clouds
from above, * and opened the
doors of heaven.
And rained down manna upon
them to eat, * and gave them of
the bread of heaven.
Man did eat Angels bread : *
He sent them meat to the full.
He caused an east wind to
blow in the heaven : * and by His
power He brought in the south
wind.
He rained flesh also upon them
as dust, * and feathered fowls like
as the sand of the sea.
And it fell in the midst of their
camp, * round about their habita
tions.
So they did eat, and were well
filled, and He gave them their own
desire : * they were not disap
pointed of their lust.
But while their meat was yet in
their mouths : * the wrath of God
came upon them,
And slew the fattest of them, *
and smote down the chosen men
of Israel.
For all this they sinned still, *
and believed not in His wondrous
works.
Therefore their days were con
sumed in vanity, * and their years
in trouble.
When He slew them, they sought
Him : * and they returned, and
enquired early after God.
And they remembered that God
was their strength, * and the High
God their redeemer.
Yet they flattered Him with their
mouth, * and lied unto Him with
their tongue.
For their heart was not right
1 An ancient city (mentioned here and subsequently) in Lower Egypt, called both by
a Shemitic name, Zoan, as well as by its Egyptian name, surrounded by plains, and close to
the natural and constant border of Palestine.
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
133
with Him, * neither were they
steadfast in His covenant.
But He being full of compassion,
forgave their iniquity, " and de
stroyed them not.
Yea, many a time did He turn
His anger away, * and did not stir
up all His wrath.
He remembered also that they
were but flesh ; * a wind that
passeth away and cometh not
again.
How often did they provoke
Him in the wilderness? * grieve
Him to anger in the desert?
Yea, they turned again, and
tempted God, * and provoked the
Holy One of Israel.
They remembered not His hand,
* in the day when He delivered
them from the hand of the op
pressor.
How He set His signs in Egypt,
* and His wonders in the plain of
Tanis.
And turned their rivers into
blood : * and their floods, that
they could not drink.
He sent divers sorts of flies
among them, which devoured them :
* and frogs, which destroyed them.
He gave also their increase unto
the caterpillar, * and their labour
unto the locust.
And He destroyed their vines
with hail, * and their sycamore
trees with frost.
He gave up their cattle also to
the hail, * and their flocks to hot
thunderbolts.
He cast upon them the fierceness
of His anger, * indignation, and
wrath, and trouble, by sending evil
Angels among them.
He made a way to His anger;
He spared not their soul from
death, * and cut off their cattle in
death with them.
He smote also every first-born in
the land of Egypt : * the first-fruits
of all their labour in the tabernacles
of Ham.
And made His own people to go
forth like sheep : * and guided them
in the wilderness like a flock.
And He led them on in hope,
and they feared not : * and He
overwhelmed their enemies in the
sea.
And He brought them to the
mountain of His Sanctuary, * even
the mountain, which His right hand
hath purchased.
He cast out the heathen also
before them, * and allotted the land
among them by line,
And made the tribes of Israel to
dwell * in their tents.
Yet they tempted and provoked
the Most High God, * and kept not
His testimonies.
And turned back, and observed
not His covenant, * like their
fathers ; they were turned aside like
a deceitful bow.
They provoked Him to anger
with their high places, * and moved
Him to jealousy with their graven
images.
God heard it and cast them out :
* and brought Israel utterly to
nought.
He forsook also the tabernacle of
Shiloh, * even His tabernacle, where
He dwelt among men.
And He delivered their strength
into captivity, * and their beauty
into the enemy s hand.
He gave His people over also
unto the sword : * and cast off His
inheritance.
The fire consumed their young
134
THE PSALTER.
men : * and their maidens made no
funeral song.
Their priests fell by the sword :
* and their widows made no lamen
tation.
Then the Lord awaked as one
out of sleep, * like a mighty man
heated with wine.
And He smote His enemies in
the hinder part : * He put them to
a perpetual shame.
Moreover, He refused the taber
nacle of Joseph, * and chose not the
tribe of Ephraim.
But chose the tribe of Judah, *
Mount Zion, which he loved.
And He built His sanctuary like
the horn of an unicorn upon the
earth, * which He hath established
for ever.
He chose David also His servant,
and took him from the sheepfolds :
* from following the ewes great with
young He brought him,
To feed Jacob His servant, * and
Israel His inheritance.
So he fed them according to the
integrity of his heart : * and guided
them by the skilfulness of his hands.
Antiphon. 1 Thou art the God
That doest wonders.
Sixth Antiphon. Be merciful.
Psalm LXXVIII.
[Intituled " A Psalm of Asaph."]
GOD, the heathen are come
into Thine inheritance, Thine
holy temple have they defiled : *
they have made Jerusalem like an
heap of stones in an orchard.
The dead bodies of Thy servants
have they given to be meat unto
the fowls of the heaven, * the flesh
of Thy saints unto the beasts of the
earth.
Their blood have they shed like
water round about Jerusalem : * and
there was none to bury them.
We are become a reproach to our
neighbours, * a scorn and derision
to them that are round about us.
How long, LORD? wilt Thou be
angry for ever ? * shall Thy jealousy
burn like fire ?
Pour out Thy wrath upon the
heathen, that have not known Thee,
* and upon the kingdoms that have
not called upon Thy name !
For they have devoured Jacob,
* and laid waste His dwelling-place.
O remember not against us our
former iniquities, let Thy tender
mercies speedily overtake us : * for
we are brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation,
and for the glory of Thy name de
liver us, O Lord : * and forgive our
sins, for Thy name s sake.
Lest haply they should say among
the heathen : Where is their God ?
* And make known among the
nations in our sight
The vengeance of the blood of
Thy servants, which is shed : * let
the sighing of the prisoners come
before^Thee.
According to the greatness of
Thine arm, * preserve Thou the
children of the slain.
And render unto our neighbours
sevenfold into their bosom : * their
reproach wherewith they have re
proached Thee, O Lord !
But we Thy people, and sheep
of Thy pasture, * will give Thee
thanks for ever :
We will show forth Thy praise *
to all generations.
1 Ps. Ixxvi. 15.
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
135
Psalm LXXIX.
[Intituled A Psalm of Asaph," with a
direction, perhaps musical, the meaning
of which is not now certain. The LXX.
adds "concerning the Assyrian," probably
meaning that it was used as a prayer
after the destruction of Jerusalem by
Nebuchadnezzar. ]
GIVE ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
* Thou That leadest Joseph
like a flock.
Thou That sittest upon the Cheru
bim, * shine forth before Ephraim,
Benjamin, and Manasseh.
Stir up Thy strength, and come
* and save us.
Turn us again, O God, * and
cause Thy face to shine, and we
shall be saved.
O LORD God of hosts, * how
long wilt Thou be angry against the
prayer of Thy servant ?
Wilt Thou feed us with the bread
of tears, * and give us tears to drink
in great measure ?
Thou makest us a strife unto our
neighbours : * and our enemies jest
upon us.
Turn us again, O God of hosts :
* and cause Thy face to shine, and
we shall be saved.
Thou hast brought a vine out of
Egypt : * Thou hast cast out the
heathen and planted it.
Thou preparedst room before it :
* Thou didst cause it to take deep
root, and it filled the land.
The hills were covered with the
shadow of it, * and the cedars of
God with the boughs thereof.
She sent out her boughs unto the
sea, * and her branches unto the
river. 1
Why hast Thou broken down her
hedge ? * so that all they which
pass by the way do pluck her?
The boar out of the wood doth
root it up, * and the wild beast of
the field doth devour it.
Return, O God of hosts : * look
down from heaven, and behold, and
visit this vine ;
And protect that Thy right hand
hath planted, * and the son of man
whom Thou madest strong for Thy
self.
It is burnt with fire, and cut
down : * they shall perish at the
rebuke of Thy countenance.
Let Thine hand be upon the man
of Thy right hand, * and upon the
son of man whom Thou madest
strong for Thyself.
So will we not go back from
Thee ; * quicken us, and we will
call upon Thy name.
Turn us again, O LORD God of
hosts : * and cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Antiphon. 2 Be merciful unto our
sins, O Lord.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. Out of Zion, the Per
fection of beauty,
Answer. Our God shall come
manifestly.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 3 My lips shall be fain
when I sing unto Thee.
Answer. And my soul, which
Thou hast redeemed.
1 That is, the dominion of the Israelites stretched from the Mediterranean to the
Euphrates. 2 Ps. Ixxviii. 9. * Ps. Ixx. 23.
136
THE PSALTER.
In Lent.
Verse. He hath delivered me
from the snare of the fowler.
Answer. And from the noisome
pestilence.
In Passion time.
Verse. O God, deliver my soul
from the sword.
Answer. And my darling from
the power of the dog.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The Lord is risen from
the grave, Alleluia.
Answer. Who hung for us upon
the tree, Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the First
Nocturn on the preceding Sunday , only
the Lessons, and sometimes the Respon-
sories, are those of the day.
J37
at
THE FIFTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Against Thee, Thee
only.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, &c., (p.
8 7 ).
Antiphon. Against Thee, Thee
only, have I sinned, have mercy
upon me, O Lord !
Second Antiphon. Lord.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, "Thou hast
been."
Psalm LXXX1X.
[Intituled "A Prayer of Moses the man
of God."]
T ORD, Thou hast been our re-
*-* fuge * in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought
forth, or ever the earth and the
world were formed, * even from
everlasting to everlasting, Thou art
God.
Turn not man to destruction ; *
for Thou sayest, Return, ye children
of men.
For a thousand years in Thy sight
* are but as yesterday when it is past,
And their years shall be reckoned
VOL. III.
as nothing, * even as a watch in
the night.
In the morning they are like
grass which soon fadeth away : in
the morning it flourisheth, and
then it fadeth away : * in the
evening it is cut down, drieth up,
and withereth.
For we are consumed by Thine
anger : * and by Thy wrath are
we troubled.
Thou hast set our iniquities be
fore Thee, * our life in the light
of Thy countenance.
For all our days are passed away,
* and we are consumed by Thine
anger.
The works whereon we toil all
our years are but frail structures
like a spider s web : * the days of
our years are threescore years and
ten :
And if by reason of strength they
be fourscore years, * yet is their
increase but labour and sorrow :
For weakness cometh, * and we
are cut off.
Who knoweth the power of Thine
anger, * or can measure Thy wrath,
that he may fear Thee as Thou
oughtest to be feared?
Show Thou the might of Thy
right hand ; * and apply our hearts
to wisdom.
E 2
138
THE PSALTER.
Return, O LORD, how long? *
and let it intreat Thee concerning
"Thy servants.
Thou hast satisfied us early with
Thy mercy, * and we rejoice and
are glad all our days.
We are gladdened for the days
wherein Thou hast afflicted us; *
for the years wherein we have seen
evil.
Look upon Thy servants, and
upon Thy works, * and establish
their children.
And let the beauty of the LORD
our God be upon us ; and establish
Thou the work of our hands upon
us : * yea, the work of our hands
establish Thou it.
Antiphon. Lord, Thou hast
been our refuge.
Third Antiphon. I meditate.
Psalms LXIL, LXVI.
O God, Thou art my God, &c.,
(A 23).
Antiphon. I meditate upon Thee
in the night watches.
Fourth Antiphon. Let us sing.
If this Antiphon be used the Canticle
begins ivith the words, " Unto the
LORD."
THE SONG OF MOSES (Exod. xv.)
[On the occasion of the successful escape
of the Israelites through the Red Sea.]
LET us sing unto the LORD, for
He hath triumphed gloriously :
* the horse and his rider hath He
thrown into the sea.
The LORD is my strength- and
my song, * and He is become
my salvation :
1 But in the present Hebrew text,
He is my God, and I will glorify
Him : * my father s God, and I
will exalt Him.
The LORD is like a man of war :
"THE ALMIGHTY" 1 is His name.
* Pharaoh s chariots and his host
hath He cast into the sea.
His chosen captains are drowned
in the Red Sea. * The depths have
covered them : they sank into the
bottom as a stone.
Thy right hand, O LORD, is be
come glorious in power : Thy right
hand, O LORD, hath shattered the
enemy. * And in the greatness
of Thy majesty Thou hast over
thrown them that rose up against
Thee.
Thou sentest forth Thy wrath,
which consumed them as stubble.
* And with the blast of Thy fury
the waters were gathered together,
The floods stood upright, * and
the depths were congealed in the
heart of the sea.
The enemy said : I will pursue
and overtake, * I will divide the
spoil ; my soul shall be sated upon
them :
I will draw my sword, * mine
hand shall destroy them.
Thy wind blew, and the sea
covered them ; * they sank as lead
in the mighty waters.
Who is like unto Thee, O LORD,
among the mighty? * who is like
unto Thee, glorious in holiness,
terrible, and worthy to be praised,
doing wonders?
Thou stretchedst out Thy right
hand, and the earth swallowed them.
* Thou in Thy mercy hast led
forth the people which Thou hast
redeemed :
And hast borne them in Thy
here stands again the Divine name.
THURSDAY AT LAUDS.
139
strength, * unto Thine holy habi
tation.
The people came up and were
angry : * sorrow took hold on the
inhabitants of Philistia.
Then the princes of Edom were
amazed, the mighty men of Moab,
trembling took hold upon them : *
all the inhabitants of Chanaan
melted away.
Let fear and dread fall upon
them, * by the greatness of Thine
arm :
Let them be as still as a stone :
till Thy people pass over, O LORD,
* till Thy people pass over, which
Thou hast purchased.
Thou shalt bring them in and
plant them in the mountain of
Thine inheritance, * in Thy most
sure dwelling, which Thou hast
made, O LORD :
In the Sanctuary, O Lord, which
Thine hands have established.
The LORD shall reign for ever
and ever.
For the horse of Pharaoh went
in with his chariots and with his
horsemen into the sea, * and the
LORD brought again the waters of
the sea upon them :
But the children of Israel went on
dry land * in the midst of the sea.
Antiphon. Let us sing gloriously
unto the LORD.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise God.
Psalms CXLVIII., CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD, &c., (pp. 25,
26).
Antiphon.
Sanctuary.
Praise God in His
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
The night is far spent, &c., (as
on Monday, p. 89).
HYMN. 1
C EE, the golden dawn is glowing,
*^ While the paly shades are going,
Which have led us far and long,
In a labyrinth of wrong.
May it bring us peace serene ;
May it cleanse, as it is clean ;
Plain and clear our words be spoke,
And our thoughts without a cloak ;
So the day s account shall stand,
Guileless tongue and holy hand,
Steadfast eyes and unbeguiled,
"Flesh as of a little child."
There is One Who from above
Watches how the still hours move
Of our day of service done,
From the dawn to setting sun.
To the Father, and the Son,
And the Spirit, Three and One,
As of old, and as in Heaven,
Now and here be glory given.
Amen.
Verse. Thou hast satisfied us
early with Thy mercy.
Answer. We rejoice and are
glad.
Antiphon for the Songof Zacharias.
Let us serve the Lord * in holiness,
and He will deliver us from our
enemies.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other Commemorations, and Long
Preces in Advent and Lent, and on
Fast-days, as on Monday.
1 Extracted from hymn by Prudentius ; translation by the late Card. Newman.
140
Jfribap at JEattins.
THE SIXTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
Invitatory. Let us worship the
Lord, for * He is our Maker.
HYMN. 1
MAY the dread Three in One, Who
sways
All with His sovereign might,
Accept from us this hymn of praise,
His watchers in the night.
For in the night, when all is still,
We spurn our bed and rise,
To find the balm for ghostly ill,
His bounteous hand supplies.
If e er by night our envious foe
With guilt our souls would stain,
May the deep streams of mercy flow,
And make us white again ;
That so with bodies braced and bright,
And hearts awake within,
All fresh and keen may burn our light,
Undimmed, unsoiled by sin.
Shine on Thine own, Redeemer sweet !
Thy radiance increate
Through the long day shall keep our
feet,
In their pure morning state.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Only one Nocturn is said.
Antiphon. Sing aloud.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, " Unto God our
strength."
In Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said for the whole Nocturn. Alleluia.
Psalm LXXX.
[Intituled "Of Asaph." It has a super
scription of meaning now uncertain, but
part of which perhaps means that it was
a Hymn for the vintage.]
O ING aloud unto God our strength :
^ * make a joyful noise unto the
God of Jacob.
Take a psalm, and bring hither
the timbrel : * the pleasant harp
with the psaltery.
Blow the trumpet in the new
moon, 2 * in the time appointed,
on our solemn feast-day.
1 From a hymn of the Ambrosian school, very slightly altered ; translation by the late
Card. Newman.
2 The ordinance referred to in this and the next verses is found in Numb. x. " And the
LORD spake unto Moses, saying : Make thee two trumpets of silver, of a whole piece shalt
thou make them. . . . And in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and
in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt-offerings,
and over the sacrifices of your peace-offerings ; that they may be to you for a memorial
before God. I am the LORD your God."
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
141
For this is a statute for Israel :
* and a law of the God of Jacob.
This He ordained in Joseph for
a testimony, when he went out of
the land of Egypt : * he heard a
language that he understood not.
He removed his shoulder from
the burden, * his hands were done
with slaving over the baskets.
Thou calledst upon Me in trouble,
and I delivered thee : * I answered
thee in the secret place of thunder : I
proved thee at the waters of strife. 1
Hear, O My people, and I will
testify unto thee : * O Israel, if
thou wilt hearken unto Me, there
shall no strange god be in thee,
neither shalt thou worship any
strange god.
For I am the LORD thy God,
Who brought thee out of the land
of Egypt : * open thy mouth wide
and I will fill it.
But My people would not hearken
unto My voice : * and Israel would
not obey Me :
So I gave them up unto their
own hearts lust : * they walked
in their own counsels.
that My people had heark
ened unto Me, * that Israel had
walked in My ways !
1 should quickly have brought
their enemies under them, * and
turned Mine hand against their
adversaries.
The haters of the LORD would
have feigned submission unto Him :
* but their time should have en
dured for ever.
He would have fed them also
with the finest of the wheat : *
and with honey out of the rock
would He have satisfied them.
Psalm LXXXI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of Asaph."]
OD standeth in the congrega-
tion of the mighty : * He
judgeth among the judges.
How long do ye judge unjustly,
* and accept the person of the
wicked ? 2
Defend the poor and fatherless :
* do justice to the afflicted and
needy.
Deliver the poor, * and rid the
needy out of the hand of the wicked.
They know not, neither do they
understand, they walk on in dark
ness : * all the foundations of the
earth are out of course.
3 1 have said : Ye are gods, *
and all of you are children of the
Most High ;
But ye shall die like men : *
and fall like one of the princes.
Arise, O God, judge the earth :
* for Thou shalt inherit all na
tions.
Antiphon. 4 Sing aloud unto
God our strength.
Second Antiphon. Thou alone.
Psalm LXXXII.
[Intituled " A Song. A Psalm of
Asaph."]
OGOD, who shall be likened
unto Thee? * hold not Thy
peace, and be not still, O God.
For, lo, Thine enemies make a
tumult : * and they that hate Thee
have lifted up the head.
They have taken crafty counsel
against Thy people, * and con
sulted against Thine holy ones.
1 SLH. For "the waters of Meribah" or "strife," see note on Ps. xciv., p. 2.
2 SLH. 3 This verse was quoted by our Lord. John x. 34. 4 Ps. Ixxx. 2.
142
THE PSALTER.
They have said : Come and let
us cut them off from being a na
tion : * that the name of Israel
may be no more in remembrance.
For they have consulted together
with one consent : * they are con
federate against Thee : the taberna
cles of Edom, 1 and the Ishmaelites.
Of Moab, and the Hagarenes ;
Gebal, and Ammon, Amalek, * the
" Strangers " with the inhabitants
of Tyre.
Assur also is joined with them :
* they have holpen the children
of Lot. 2
Do unto them as unto Midian, 3
and Sisera : as unto Jabin, at
the brook of Kishon.
They perished at Endor : * they
became as dung for the earth.
Make their nobles like Oreb
and like Zeeb ; * as Zebah and
Zalmunna,
All their princes : * who said :
Let us take to ourselves the Sanc
tuary of God in possession.
O my God, make them like a
wheel [of whirling dust] ; * and as
the stubble before the wind !
As the fire that burneth a wood,
* and as the flame that setteth the
mountains on fire.
So pursue them with Thy tem
pest, * and trouble them in Thine
anger.
Fill their faces with shame : * and
they will seek Thy Name, O LORD !
Let them be confounded and
troubled for ever : * yea, let them
be put to shame and perish.
And let men know that Thy
name is the LORD : * Thou alone
art the Most High over all the
earth.
Psalm LXXXIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of the sons of
Korah. " It has the same superscription as
Ps. Ixx., referring possibly to the vintage.
It reads as if it were a pilgrim-song refer
ring to the going up of all the males of
Israel to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of
Tabernacles, when harvest and vintage were
over. ]
HOW lovely are Thy taberna
cles, O LORD of hosts! *
my soul longeth and fainteth for
the courts of the LORD :
Mine heart and my flesh * rejoice
for the living God.
Yea, the sparrow hath found an
house, * and the dove a nest for
herself, where she may lay her
young,
Even Thine altars, O LORD of
hosts, * my King and my God !
Blessed are they that dwell in
Thine house, O Lord ; * they will
be ever praising Thee. 2
Blessed is the man whose strength
is from Thee ; * who hath settled in
his heart to go up [to thy Sanctu
ary,] through the vale of tears, 4 to
the place which he hath appointed.
He That hath given the Law will
1 Of the list of tribes in the next few verses, the Ishmaelites are the inhabitants of Edom;
Moab, and the Hagarenes, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, tribes to the south and south-east of
Canaan ; the " Strangers " are the Philistines ; Assur is Assyria ; the children of Lot are
the Moabites and Ammonites. 2 SLH.
3 The Midianites invaded Israel during the Judgeship of Gideon, who defeated them.
Barak had previously, by a great victory between the Kishon and Endor, delivered his
people from the tyranny of Jabin king of the Canaanites, whose general, Sisera, lost his life
on the occasion. Oreb and Zeeb were two princes, and Zebah and Zalmunna two kings of
the Midianites, whom the Israelites took prisoners and put to death on the second occasion.
See Judges iv.-viii.
4 Hebrew, "of Baca," probably the proper name of a place, but, literally, "weeping."
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
give His blessing ; they shall go
from strength to strength : * they
appear before the God of gods in
Zion.
LORD God of hosts, hear my
prayer : * give ear, O God of Ja
cob ! l
Behold, O God, our shield: *
and look upon the face of Thine
Anointed.
For a day in Thy courts is better
* than a thousand.
1 had rather be a menial in the
house of my God, * than to dwell
in the tents of wickedness.
For God loveth mercy and truth :
* the LORD will give grace and
glory.
No good thing will He withhold
from them that walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man
that trusteth in Thee !
Antiphon. 2 Thou alone art the
Most High over all the earth.
Third Antiphon. LORD.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words " Thou hast been
favourable."
Psalm LXXXIV.
[Intituled "A Psalm of the sons of
Korah," with the usual (now uncertain)
superscription.]
LORD, Thou hast been favour
able unto Thy land : * Thou
hast brought back the captivity of
Jacob.
Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of
Thy people : * Thou hast covered
all their sins. 1
Thou hast taken away all Thy
wrath : * Thou hast turned Thyself
from the fierceness of Thine anger.
1 SLH.
Turn us, O God of our salvation,
* and cause Thine anger towards us
to cease.
Wilt Thou be angry with us for
ever ? * wilt Thou draw out Thine
anger to all generations ?
God, Thou shalt again quicken
us : * and Thy people shall rejoice
in Thee.
Show us Thy mercy, O LORD ! *
and grant us Thy salvation.
1 will hear what the LORD God
will speak in me : * for He will
speak peace unto His people,
And to His saints, * and unto
them that are changed in heart.
Surely His salvation is nigh them
that fear Him, * that glory may
dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth have met to
gether : * righteousness and peace
have kissed each other.
Truth hath sprung out of the
earth : * and righteousness hath
looked down from heaven.
Yea, the LORD shall give that
which is good : * and our land shall
yield her increase.
Righteousness shall go before
Him : * and shall set His footsteps
in the way.
Psalm LXXXV.
[Intituled "A Prayer of David."]
BOW down Thine ear, O LORD,
and hear me : * for I am poor
and needy.
Preserve my soul, for I am holy :
* O Thou my God, save Thy servant
that trusteth in Thee.
Be merciful unto me, O Lord, for
I cry unto Thee all the day long : *
rejoice the soul of Thy servant, for
2 Ps. Ixxxii. 19.
144
THE PSALTER.
unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my
soul.
For Thou, Lord, art good and
ready to forgive, * and plenteous
in mercy to all them that call upon
Thee.
Give ear, O LORD, unto my
prayer : * and attend to the voice
of my supplication.
In the day of my trouble I called
upon Thee, * for Thou hast heard
me.
Among the gods there is none like
unto Thee, O Lord : * neither are
there any works like unto Thy works.
All nations whom Thou hast
made shall come and worship be
fore Thee, O Lord: * and shall
glorify Thy name.
For Thou art great and doest won
drous things : * Thou art God alone.
Teach me Thy way, O LORD,
and I will walk in Thy truth: *
let mine heart be glad, that it may
fear Thy name.
I will praise Thee, O Lord my
God, with all mine heart, * and I
will glorify Thy name for evermore.
For great is Thy mercy toward
me : * and Thou hast delivered my
soul from the lowest hell.
O God, the wicked are risen
against me, and the assemblies of
violent men have sought after my
soul, * and have not set Thee before
them.
But Thou, O Lord, art a God full
of compassion and gracious, * long-
suffering, and plenteous in mercy
and truth.
O look upon me, and have mercy
1 Ps. Ixxxiv. 2.
upon me : * give Thy strength unto
Thy servant, and save the son of
Thine handmaid !
Show me a token for good, that
they which hate me may see it and be
ashamed : * because Thou, O LORD,
hast holpen me, and comforted me.
Antiphon. 1 LORD, Thou hast
been favourable unto Thy land.
Fourth Antiphon. Her foundation.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, "Is in the holy
mountains."
Psalm LXXXVI.
[Intituled "A Psalm. A Song of the
sons of Korah." The Targum adds that it
was based upon words of the ancients,
perhaps meaning that the two first verses
before the SLH were an ancient saying to
which the rest was a later addition.]
ER foundation is in the holy
mountains : * the LORD lov-
eth the gates of Zion more than all
the dwellings of Jacob !
Glorious things are spoken of
thee, * O city of God ! 2
I will make mention of Rahab 3
and Babylon * that know me.
Behold the "Strangers," 4 and
Tyre, and the people of Ethiopia, *
these were there
And of Zion shall it not be said :
This and that man was born in her,
* and the Highest Himself hath
established her? 5
The LORD shall make count,
when He writeth up the people [and
the princes,] 6 * of all that are in her. 2
All they that dwell in thee * are
in gladness.
2 SLH.
H
3 That is "the Insolent One," namely, Egypt. 4 I.e., the Philistines.
5 Is the meaning that Jerusalem shall be illustrious as the birth-place of all kinds of
distinguished persons? The Targum, curiously enough, says that the persons meant are
David and Solomon, whereas David is a native of Bethlehem.
6 Displaced from the beginning of the next verse.
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm LXXXVII.
[This Psalm has a long superscription, in
which its authorship is attributed to Heman
the Ezrahite, one of five brothers, descen
dants of Zarah, the son of Judah. Four of
them were celebrated for wisdom. 3 (i)
Kings iv. 31. This Psalm was written for
the sons of Korah, and intended to be sung
with an accompaniment of pipes and flutes.]
LORD God of my salvation, *
i have cried day and night
before Thee.
Let my prayer come before Thee ;
* incline Thine ear unto my cry.
For my soul is full of troubles : *
and my life draweth nigh unto the
grave.
I am counted with them that go
down into the pit : * I am as a
man that hath no strength, lying
nerveless among the dead,
Like the pierced that lie in the
grave, whom Thou rememberest no
more : * and they are cast off from
Thine hand.
They have laid me in the lowest
pit, * in darkness and in the shadow
of death.
Thy wrath lieth hard upon me,
* and Thou hast afflicted me with
all Thy waves. 1
Thou hast put away mine ac
quaintance far from me : * they
have made me an abomination unto
them.
I am shut up, and cannot come
forth : * mine eyes fail by reason
of affliction.
LORD, I have called daily upon
Thee : * I have stretched out my
hands unto Thee !
Wilt Thou show wonders to the
dead ? * or can physicians quicken
them, so that they may praise
Thee ? l
Shall Thy loving -kindness be
1 SLH.
declared in the grave, * and Thy
faithfulness in destruction ?
Shall Thy wonders be known in
the dark, * and Thy righteousness
in the land of forgetfulness ?
But unto Thee have I cried, O
LORD : * and in the morning shall
my prayer come before Thee.
LORD, why easiest Thou off my
prayer, * why hidest Thou Thy face
from me ?
I am afflicted, and in toil from
my youth up : * and when I was
lifted up, then was I brought down
and troubled :
Thy fierce wrath goeth over me,
* and Thy terrors have troubled me.
They came round about me all
the day like a flood : * they com
passed me about together.
Friend and neighbour hast Thou
put far from me, * mine acquaint
ance also, because of my misery.
Antiphon. 2 Her foundation is
in the holy mountains.
Fifth Antiphon, Blessed.
Psalm LXXXVII I.
[Intituled " A didactic (?) Poem of Ethan
the Ezrahite." This Ethan was a brother
of the author of the last Psalm. ]
I WILL sing of the mercies * of
the LORD for ever.
With my mouth will I make
known Thy faithfulness * to all
generations.
For Thou hast said : Mercy shall
be built up for ever in the heavens :
* Thy faithfulness shall be estab
lished in them.
I have made a covenant with My
chosen, I have sworn unto David
My servant : * thy seed will I
establish for ever.
146
THE PSALTER.
And build up thy throne * to
all generations. 1
And the heavens shall praise Thy
wonders, O LORD; * Thy faithful
ness also in the congregation of the
Saints
For who in heaven can be com
pared unto the LORD ? * Who
among the sons of God can be
likened unto GOD ?
God, Which is glorious in the
assembly of the saints, * great
and terrible to all them that are
about Him.
O LORD God of hosts, who is
like unto Thee ? * Thou art strong,
O LORD, and Thy faithfulness is
round about Thee !
Thou rulest the raging of the
sea : * when the waves thereof
arise Thou stillest them.
Thou hast broken the " Inso
lent " one, 2 as one that is slain :
* Thou hast scattered Thine ene
mies with Thy strong arm.
The heavens are Thine, the
earth also is Thine, as for the
world and the fulness thereof
Thou hast founded them : * the
North and the South Thou hast
created them :
3 Tabor and Hermon shall re
joice in Thy name. * Thou hast
a mighty arm.
Strong is Thine hand, and high
Thy right hand : * justice and
judgment are the foundations of
Thy throne.
Mercy and truth shall go before
Thy face. * Blessed is the people
that know the joyful sound !
They shall walk, O LORD, in
the light of Thy countenance, and
in Thy name shall they rejoice all
the day : * in Thy righteousness
also shall they be exalted.
For thou art the glory of their
strength : and in Thy favour
our horn shall be exalted.
For of the LORD is our de
fence, * and of the Holy One of
Israel is our King.
Then Thou spakest in vision to
Thine holy ones, and saidst : * I
have laid help upon one that is
mighty, and have exalted one
chosen out of My people.
I have found David My ser
vant : * with Mine holy oil have I
anointed him.
For Mine hand shall help him :
* Mine arm also shall strengthen
him.
The enemy shall prevail nothing
against him : * nor the son of
wickedness afflict him.
And I will beat down his foes
before his face, * and put them
that hate him to flight.
And My truth and My mercy
shall be with him : * and in My
Name shall his horn be exalted.
I will set his hand also in the
sea, * and his right hand in the
rivers. 4
He shall cry unto me : Thou
art my Father, * my God, and
the rock of my salvation.
5 Also I will make him My first
born, * higher than the kings of
the earth.
My mercy will I keep for him
1 SLH. 2 Rahab *.., Egypt.
3 Two prominent mountains in the North of Syria.
4 That is ; " I will make his power to be bounded on the West by the Mediterranean,
and on the East by the Tigris and Euphrates."
5 The next verses are a sort of quotation of the Divine message given by Nathan to
David. 2 Kings (Sam.) vii. 14-16.
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
147
for evermore, * and My covenant
shall stand fast with him.
His seed also will I make to
endure for ever, * and his throne
as the days of heaven.
But if his children forsake My
law, * and walk not in My judg
ments,
If they break My statutes, * and
keep not My commandments,
Then I will visit their trans
gressions with the rod, * and
their iniquity with stripes.
Nevertheless My loving-kindness
will I not utterly take from him,
* nor fail in My truth.
My covenant also will I not break,
* nor make void the thing that is
gone out of My lips.
Once have I sworn by Mine
holiness, that I will not lie unto
David : * his seed shall endure for
ever,
And his throne, as the sun before
Me : * and as the full moon for
ever, and as the faithful witness in
heaven. 1
But Thou hast cast off and de
spised, * Thou hast put away Thine
Anointed.
Thou hast made void the cove
nant of Thy servant : * Thou hast
profaned his crown [by casting] it
to the ground.
Thou hast broken down all his
hedges : * Thou hast brought his
strongholds to ruin.
All that pass by the way spoil
him : * he is a reproach to his
neighbours.
Thou hast set up the right hand
of his adversaries : * Thou hast
made all his enemies to rejoice.
Thou hast turned the edge of his
sword, * and hast not upholden him
in battle.
Thou hast made his brightness to
cease, * and cast his throne down
to the ground.
The days of his youth hast Thou
shortened: * Thou hast covered
him with shame. 2
How long, LORD, wilt Thou hide
Thyself, for ever? * Shall Thy
wrath burn like fire?
Remember how short my time is :
* wherefore hast Thou made all the
sons of men in vain ?
What man is he that liveth, and
shall not see death? * Shall he
deliver his soul from the hand of
the grave ? 2
Lord, where are Thy former lov
ing-kindnesses, * which Thou swarest
unto David in Thy truth ?
Remember, Lord, the reproach of
Thy servants, * (that I bear in my
bosom) even the reproach of many
people
Wherewith Thine enemies have
reproached, O LORD * wherewith
they have reproached the woes of
Thine Anointed.
Blessed be the LORD for ever
more ! * Amen, Amen. 3
Psalm XCIII.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
Psalm to David, and assign it to the fourth
day of the week. ]
THE LORD God to Whom ven
geance belongeth, * the God
to Whom vengeance belongeth hath
shown Himself.
Lift up Thyself, Thou judge of
1 SLH. Is the "faithful witness" the rainbow? See Gen. ix. (Thursday after Sexa-
gesima Sunday. ) 2 SLH.
3 Here ends the third of the five books into which the Psalter is divided.
148
THE PSALTER.
the earth : * render a reward to the
proud.
LORD, how long shall the wicked,
* how long shall the wicked
triumph ?
How long shall they utter and
speak iniquity ? * all the workers of
wickedness boast themselves ?
They crush Thy people, O LORD!
* and afflict Thine heritage.
They slay the widow and the
stranger, * and murder the father
less.
Yet they say: The LORD shall
not see, * neither shall the God of
Jacob understand.
Understand, ye brutish among the
people ! * and ye fools, some time
be wise !
He That planted the ear, shall He
not hear ? * or He That formed the
eye, can He not see ?
He That chastiseth the heathen,
shall not He correct? * He That
teacheth man knowledge?
The LORD knoweth the thoughts
of men, * that they are vanity.
Blessed is the man whom Thou
chastenest, O LORD, * and teachest
out of Thy law..
That Thou mayest give him rest
from the days of adversity, * until
the pit be digged for the wicked.
For the LORD will not cast off
His people, * neither will He for
sake His inheritance.
Until righteousness return unto
judgment, * and all the upright in
heart follow it.
Who will rise up for me against
the evil-doers ? * or who will stand
up with me against the workers of
iniquity ?
Unless the LORD had been mine
help, * my soul had almost dwelt
in the grave.
When I said : My foot slippeth
* Thy mercy, O LORD, held me
up.
In the multitude of the sorrows
within mine heart, * Thy comforts
delight my soul.
1 Hath the throne of iniquity
fellowship with Thee? * which
frameth mischief by a law?
They that gather themselves
together against the soul of the
righteous, * and condemn the in
nocent blood ?
But the LORD is my refuge, *
and my God is the stay of my
trust.
And He shall bring upon them
their own iniquity, and shall cut
them off in their own wickedness :
* the LORD our God shall cut
them off.
Antiphon. 2 Blessed be the LORD
for evermore.
Sixth Antiphon. Sing.
Psalm XCV.
[In I Par. (Chron. ) xvi. it is stated that
David gave this Psalm to Asaph and his
brethren upon the day that the ark was
brought to Jerusalem. The text is there
given somewhat differently, and the whole
forms the second part of one Psalm, of
which the first part consists of the first
fifteen verses of Ps. civ. The Vulgate and
the LXX. note that it was sung at the
rebuilding of the Temple after the Cap
tivity.]
OSING unto the LORD a new
song : * sing unto the LORD,
all the earth.
Sing unto the LORD, and bless
1 This verse is translated according to the sense of the Hebrew, the LXX., Aquila,
Symmachus, Theodotion, and St Jerome, but the Latin has the second, instead of the
third, person singular in the last clause. 2 Ps. Ixxxviii. 53.
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
149
His Name : * show forth His sal
vation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the
heathen, * His wonders among all
people.
For the LORD is great, and greatly
to be praised : * He is to be feared
above all gods.
For all the gods of the heathen
are devils : * but the LORD made
the heavens.
Praise and beauty are before
Him : * holiness and majesty are
in His sanctuary.
Give unto the LORD, O ye kin
dreds of the people, give unto the
LORD glory and honour : * give
unto the LORD the glory due unto
His name.
Bring sacrifices, and come into
His courts : * O worship the LORD
in His holy temple !
Let all the earth fear before
Him. * Say among the heathen,
The LORD reigneth !
He hath established the world
also, that it shall not be moved :
* He shall judge the people right
eously.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let
the earth be glad, let the sea roar,
and the fulness thereof: * let the
fields be joyful and all that is
therein.
Then shall all the trees of the
wood rejoice before the LORD, for
He cometh, * for He cometh to
judge the earth.
He shall judge the world with
righteousness : * and the people
with His truth. 1
Psalm XCVI.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. have the
superscription "[A Psalm] of David when
his country was re - established " per
haps meaning after the usurpation of Ab-
solom.]
LORD reigneth ; let the
-*- earth rejoice : * let the mul
titude of isles be glad thereof.
Clouds and darkness are round
about Him : * righteousness and
judgment are the foundation of
His throne.
A fire shall go before Him, * and
burn up His enemies round about.
His lightnings enlightened the
world : * the earth saw and trem
bled.
The hills melted like wax at
the presence of the LORD, * at
the presence of the Lord of the
whole earth.
The heavens declared His right
eousness, * and all the people
saw His glory.
Confounded be all they that
worship graven images, * and that
boast themselves of idols.
Worship Him, all ye His An
gels ! * Zion heard, and was glad.
And the daughters of Judah
rejoiced, * because of Thy judg
ments, O LORD !
For thou, LORD, art high above
all the earth : * Thou art exalted
far above all gods.
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil :
* the Lord preserveth the souls of
His saints ; He delivereth them out
of the hand of the wicked.
Light is sprung up for the
1 In I Par. (Chron.) xvi. the Psalm continues: "O give thanks unto the LORD, for
He is good : for His mercy endureth for ever. And say ye : Save us, O God of our
salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give
thanks to Thy holy Name, and glory in Thy praise. Blessed be the LORD God of
Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said : Amen and praised the LORD"
possibly in Ps. cxxxv.
ISO
THE PSALTER.
righteous, * and gladness for the
upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, ye right
eous, * and give thanks to the
memorial of His holiness !
Antiphon. l Sing unto the LORD,
.and bless His name.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. Send forth the Lamb, O
Lord, the ruler of the land.
Answer. From the " Rock " of
the wilderness unto the mount of
the daughter of Zion.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 2 Let my prayer come
before Thee, O Lord.
Answer. Incline Thine ear unto
my cry.
In Lent.
Verse. He shall cover thee with
His wings.
Answer. And under His feath
ers shalt thou trust.
In Passion time.
Verse. O Lord, save me from
the lion s mouth.
Answer. And mine affliction
from the horns of the unicorns.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The Lord is risen in
deed, Alleluia.
Answer. And hath appeared un
to Simon, Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the Second
Nocturn on the preceding Sunday, only
the Lessons, and sometimes the Rt
Simple Feasts. It is to be remembered
that when a Simple Feast is kept on
Friday, the Invitatory and Hymn are
of the Feast, being taken from the Com
mon of Saints of the class, unless speci
ally given.
Then the Psalms and Antiphons of
the Week-day, as given above. Then is
said a Verse and Answer as follows :
I ?i the Simple Office for one or many
Martyrs in Paschal time.
Verse. The everlasting light
shall shine upon Thy Saints, O
Lord. Alleluia.
Answer. Even unto everlasting.
Alleluia.
.sories, are those of the day.
1 Ps. XCV. 2.
4 Ps. Ixvii. 3.
In the Simple Office for one Martyr,
(put of Paschal time}.
Verse. 3 Thou hast set a crown,
O Lord, of precious stones.
Answer. Upon his head.
In the Simple Office for many Martyrs,
(out of Paschal time}.
Verse. 4 Let the righteous re
joice before God.
Answer. Yea, let them exceed
ingly rejoice.
In the Simple Office for a Bishop and
Co?ifessor.
Verse. 5 The Lord chose him for
a priest unto Himself.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. To offer up unto Him
the sacrifice of praise.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
In the Simple Office for a Confessor
not a Bishop.
Verse. 6 The mouth of the right
eous shall speak wisdom.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. And his tongue talk of
judgment.
[/;/ Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
2 Ps. txxxvii. 3. 3 Ps. xx. 3.
6 Ps. xxxvi. 30.
Respon-
5 Ecclus. xlv. 16.
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
For one Holy Woman, of whatever
kind.
Verse. * God shall give her the
help of His countenance.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. God is in the midst of
her, she shall not be moved.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
The others, as well as what follows,
to the end of the Service, are taken from
the Second Nocturn of the Office common
to Saints of the class, unless something
special be appointed. The Lessons are
arranged according to the rules in Chap
ter xxvi. 4 of the general Rubrics.
The Hymn, "We praise Thee, O God,"
is said at the end, instead of a Third
Responsory. The Responsories are ar
ranged according to the rules i?i Chapter
xxvii. 4 of the General Rubrics. Thus:
The Lord s Prayer is said:
OUR Father (inaudibly], Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Then this Absolution :
"TV/FAY His loving kindness and
-*&gt;-*- mercy help us, Who liveth
and reigneth with the Father, and
the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be from
Scripture.
God the Father, the Almighty,
Show on us His grace and mercy.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be of an
Homily.
May the Gospel s saving Lord
Bless the reading of His Word.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing on a Simple Feast.
May His blessing be upon us,
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the First Lesson from
Scripture or from the Homily, or, on a
Simple Feast, either the First from
Scripture, or, if the Saint or Saints
have two Lessons, the whole three Scrip
ture Lessons read together as one.
Then the First Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the First Responsory of
the preceding Sunday. On a Simple
Feast, it is the First Responsory in the
Common Office for the class to which
the Saint belongs.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May Christ to all His people give
For ever in His sight to live.
Answer. Amen.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be from
an Homily.
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
1 Ps. xlv. 5, (Alexandrian version).
152
THE PSALTER.
Second Blessing, for a Simple Feast.
He (or She or They) whose feast-
day we are keeping
Plead for us before the Lord.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Second Lesson, either
from the Scripture or from an Homily,
or, on a Simple Feast, either the Second
and Third Lessons from Scripture read
together as one, or, if the Saint or Saints
have two Lessons, the first of these.
Then the Second Responsory, tmless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the Second Responsory
of the preceding Sunday, but in Paschal
time there is added to it :
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
And the Answer of the Responsory is
repeated again.
On a Simple Feast the Second Re
sponsory in the Common Office for the
class to which the Saint belongs, with the
addition of " Glory be to the Father,"
&&amp;gt;c., and the repetition of the Answer.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Third Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May the Spirit s fire divine
In our inmost being shine.
Answer. Amen.
Third Blessing, for a Simple Feast, or
if the Lesson be from an Homily.
May He that is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Third Lesson either
from Scripture, or of the Homily, or,
on Simple Feasts, the Second or only
Lesson of the Saint.
Then, on Simple Feasts and on any
day in Paschal time is said the Hymn,
"We praise Thee, O God." But on
week-days kept as such out of Paschal
time the Third Responsory of the pre
ceding Sunday.
153
at
THE SIXTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as other
wise given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Uphold mine heart.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, &c., (/.
87).
Anfiphon. Uphold mine heart
with Thy free spirit, O God.
Second Antiphon. In Thy faith
fulness.
Psalm CXLII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," and
the Vulgate and the LXX. add, "when
he was being persecuted by Absolom his
son."]
TTEAR my prayer, O LORD,
* -* give ear to my supplication
in Thy faithfulness : * answer me,
in Thy righteousness.
And enter not into judgment
with Thy servant : * for in Thy
sight shall no man living be jus
tified.
For the enemy hath persecuted
my soul : * he hath smitten my
life down to the ground :
He hath made me to dwell in
darkness, as those that have been
long dead. * Therefore is my
spirit overwhelmed within me : mine
heart within me is troubled.
I remember the days of old :
I meditate on all thy works : *
I muse on the works of Thine
hands.
I stretch forth mine hands unto
Thee : * my soul [thirsteth] after
Thee, as a thirsty land. 1
Hear me speedily, O LORD : *
my spirit faileth :
Hide not Thy face from me, *
lest I be like unto them that go
down into the pit.
Cause me to hear Thy loving-
kindness in the morning : * for
in Thee do I trust :
Cause me to know the way
wherein I should walk : * for I
lift up my soul unto Thee.
Deliver me, O LORD, from
mine enemies : I flee unto Thee
to hide me. * Teach me to do
Thy will : for Thou art my God.
Let Thy good Spirit lead me
into the land of uprightness.
For Thy name s sake, O LORD,
Thou shalt quicken me in Thy
righteousness.
Thou shalt bring my soul out
of trouble : * and of Thy mercy
cut off mine enemies,
1 SLH.
154
THE PSALTER.
And destroy all them that af
flict my soul : * for I am Thy
servant.
Antiphon. In Thy faithfulness,
answer me, O Lprd.
Third Antiphon. O Lord.
Psalms LXIL, LXVI.
O God. Thou art my God, &c.,
(/ 23).
Antiphon. O Lord, cause Thy
face to shine upon us.
Fourth Antiphon. O LORD, I
have heard.
If this Antiphon be used the Can
ticle begins with the words, "Thy
speech."
THE SONG OF HABAKKUK THE
PROPHET. (Hab. iii.)
[Intituled "A prayer of Habakkuk the
Prophet " with a direction, perhaps musi
cal.]
OLORD, I have heard tell of
Thee : * and was afraid :
O LORD, revive Thy work * in
the midst of the years ;
In the midst of the years shalt
Thou make it known : * in wrath,
Thou wilt remember mercy.
God shall come from " the
South," * and the Holy One
from Mount Paran. 1
His glory covered the heavens,
* and the earth was full of His
praise.
His brightness was as the light :
* He had horns 2 coming out of
His hand :
There was the hiding of His
power. * Before Him went death.
And the destroyer went forth
at His feet. * He stood and mea
sured the earth :
He beheld, and drove asunder
the nations : * and the everlast
ing mountains were crushed :
The everlasting hills did bow : *
because the Eternal passed by. 3
I saw the tents of Ethiopia in
affliction : * the curtains of the
land of Midian did tremble. 4
Wast Thou displeased against
the rivers, O LORD ? * was Thine
anger against the rivers ? Thy
wrath against the sea?
That Thou didst ride upon
Thine horses, * and Thy chariots
were salvation?
Thou didst seize and draw Thy
bow, * according to the oaths that
Thou utteredst unto the tribes. 5
Thou didst cleave the rivers of
the earth : the mountains saw Thee
and they trembled : * the overflow
ing of the water passed by :
The deep uttered his voice: *
he lifted up his hands on high.
The sun and moon stood still
1 SLH. "The South" is, in the original, "Teman," the name of a country and nation
eastward of Idumea, but used for the south generally. Paran, or Pharan, is an uncultured
and mountainous region, lying between Arabia Petraea, Palestine, and Idumea. The pas
sage is an imitation of the words of Moses when blessing the tribes. Deut. xxxiii. 2. " The
LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them ; He stirred forth from Mount
Paran, and He came with ten thousands of Saints : from His right hand went a fiery law
for them."
2 Gesenius says " Horns is here used of flashes of lightning, just as the Arabian poets
compare the first beams of the rising sun to horns, and call the sun itself a gazelle."
3 The present Hebrew simply is "The ways are everlasting to Him."
4 Proper name of an Arabian nation whose territory lay from the eastern shore of the
^Elanitic Gulf as far as the land of Moab. 5 SLH.
FRIDAY AT LAUDS.
155
in their habitation : * at the light
of Thine arrows they went forth, at
the shining of Thy glittering spear..
Thou didst tread down the
land in indignation : * Thou didst
thresh the heathen in anger.
Thou wentest forth for the sal
vation of Thy people, * even for
salvation with Thine Anointed. 1
Thou didst smite the head of
the house of the wicked : 2 * Thou
didst lay bare the foundation unto
the neck. 3
Thou didst curse his sceptre,
even the head of his fighting men,
* when they came out as a whirl
wind to scatter me :
Their rejoicing was as the re
joicing of him * that devoureth
the poor secretly.
Thou didst make a way in the
sea for Thine horses, * through
the mire of great waters.
I heard, and my belly trembled :
my lips quivered at the voice :
Let rottenness enter into my
bcnes, and corruption swarm
under me :
That I may rest in the day of
trouble : * that I may go up unto
our people that are girded. 4
Although the fig-tree shall not
blossom, * neither shall fruit be
in the vines :
The labour of the olive shall
fail, : and the fields shall yield
no meat :
The flock shall be cut off from
the fold, * and there shall be no
herd in the stalls :
Yet will I rejoice in the LORD :
I will joy in the God of my
salvation. 5
The LORD God is my strength :
* and He will make my feet like
hinds feet :
And He will lead me forth, to
make me to walk upon mine high
places, * as a conqueror, to sing-
praises unto Him. 6
Antiphon. O LORD, I have heard
Thy speech, and was afraid.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise God.
Psalms CXLVIII., CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD, from the
heavens, &c., (//. 25, 26).
Antiphon. Praise God with the
timbrel and dance.
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
The night is far spent, &c., (as on
Monday, p. 89).
HYMN. 7
of the eternal Heaven,
~* Blessed Hope to mortals given,
Of the Almighty Only Son,
And the Virgin s Holy One ;
Raise us, Lord, and we shall rise
In a sober mood,
And a zeal which glorifies
Thee from gratitude.
Now the day-star keenly glancing,
Tells us of the sun s advancing-;
While the unhealthy shades decline,
Rise within us, Light Divine !
1 Moses? 2 Pharaoh?
3 SLH. Some critics read " of the rock " instead of " unto the neck."
Accinctum. The Latin translator probably meant "girt," as the dead were girt, cf.
John xi. 44. 5 j esu j\j eo _ ^ tne Hebrew.
This last clause seems to be only a musical direction, which has got confounded with
the text. Some translate it : " Given to the leader of the string band."
7 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, slightly altered ; translation by the late Card. Newman.
156 THE PSALTER.
Rise, and, risen, go not hence, Verse. Thou hast satisfied us
Stay and make us bright, ear i y w i t h Thy mercy.
Streaming through each cleansed Answer. We rejoice and are
sense,
On the outward night. g lacl -
Antiphon for the Sons of Zach-
Then the root of faith shall spread . * J *, J
In the heart new fashioned ; anas. Through the tender mercy
Gladsome hope shall spring above, of our God * the day-spring from on
And shall bear the fruit of love. high hath visited us.
To the Father, and the Son,
And the Holy Ghost, Commemoration of the Cross before
Here be glory, as is done, the other Commemorations, and Long
By the Angelic host. Preces in Advent and Lent, and on
Amen. Fast-days, as on Monday.
157
atiiri)aj) at Jttattins,
THE SABBATH.
All as on Sunday, except as other
wise given here.
Invitatory. O come, let us wor
ship * the Lord our God.
HYMN. 1
T7ATHER of mercies infinite,
* Ruling all things that be,
Who, shrouded in the depth and height,
Art One, and yet art Three ;
Accept our chants, accept our tears,
A mingled stream we pour ;
Such stream the laden bosom cheers,
To taste Thy sweetness more.
Purge Thou with fire the o ercharged
mind,
Its sores and wounds profound;
And with the watcher s girdle bind
The limbs which sloth has bound.
That they who with their chants by
night
Before Thy presence come,
All may be fill d with strength and light
From their eternal home.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Only one Nocturn is said.
Antiphon. For the Lord.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said for the whole Nocturn. Alleluia.
Psalm XCVII.
[Intituled " A Psalm." The Vulgate and
the LXX. ascribe it to David.]
O
SING unto the LORD a new
song: * for He hath done
marvellous things.
His right hand, and His holy arm,
* have gotten Him the victory.
The LORD hath made known His
salvation : * His righteousness hath
He openly showed in the sight of
the heathen.
He hath remembered His mercy,
* and His truth towards the house
of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have
seen * the salvation of our God.
Make a joyful noise unto the
LORD, all the earth, * make a
loud noise and rejoice, and sing
praise.
Sing unto the LORD with the
harp, with the harp and the voice
of a psalm. * With trumpets and
sound of cornet,
Make a joyful noise before the
LORD, the King. * Let the sea
roar, and the fulness thereof, the
world and they that dwell therein.
Let the floods clap their hands,
let the hills be joyful together be-
1 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school, considerably altered ; translation by the late
Card. Newman.
THE PSALTER.
fore the LORD. * For He cometh
to judge the earth :
With righteousness shall He judge
the world, * and the people with
equity.
Psalm XCVIII.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
Psalm to David.]
THE LORD reigneth, be the
people never so impatient : *
He sitteth upon the Cherubim, be
the earth never so unquiet.
The LORD is great in Zion :
and He is high above all people.
Let them praise Thy great and
terrible Name, for it is holy :
and the King s majesty loveth judg
ment.
Thou dost establish equity :
Thou executest judgment and right
eousness in Jacob.
Exalt ye the LORD our God, and
worship at His footstool : * for it
is holy.
Moses and Aaron among His
priests, * and Samuel among them
that call upon His name.
They called upon the LORD, and
He answered them. * He spake
unto them in the cloudy pillar :
They kept His testimonies,
and the ordinance that He gave
them.
Thou answeredst them, O LORD
our God! * O God, Thou forgav-
est them, though Thou tookest
vengeance of their inventions.
Exalt the LORD our God and
worship at His holy hill : * for the
LORD our God is Holy.
Antiphon. l For the Lord hath
done marvellous things.
When the following Psalm, " Make
a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands,"
is to be said at Lauds (as would be the
case, for instance, if Christinas Eve fell
on a Saturday) it is not said here, nor
its A ntiphon. But instead is said Psalm
xci., " It is a good thing to give thanks
unto the LORD," from the Saturday
Lauds which are to be displaced, with
the Antiphon, "It is a good thing * to
give thanks unto the LORD," in which
case the Psalm begins with the words
" To give thanks unto the LORD."
Second Antiphon. Make a joyful
noise.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Unto GOD, all
ye lands."
Psalm XCIX.
[Intituled "A Psalm of thanksgiving."
The Targum has " A Psalm for the Sacrifice
or thanksgiving."]
MAKE a joyful noise unto GOD,
all ye lands : * serve the
LORD with gladness.
Come before His presence, * with
singing.
Know ye that the LORD, He is
God : * it is He That hath made
us, and not we ourselves :
We are His people, and the
sheep of his pasture. * Enter into
His gates with thanksgiving, and
into His courts with praise : give
thanks unto Him,
Praise His Name. For the LORD
is good, His mercy is everlasting : *
and His truth endureth to all gen
erations.
I
Psalm C.
[Intituled " A Psalm of David."]
WILL sing of mercy and judg
ment, * unto Thee, O LORD !
I will sing and behave myself
1 Ps. xcvii. I.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
159
wisely in a perfect way. * O when
wilt Thou come unto me ?
I walked within mine house, * in
the innocence of mine heart.
I set no wicked thing before mine
eyes : * I hate the work of them
that turn aside.
A froward heart cleaveth not
unto me : * the wicked person that
turned aside from me, I would not
know.
Whoso privily slandered his neigh
bour, * him did I expose.
Him that had an high look and
a proud heart : * with him I will
not eat.
Mine eyes are upon the faithful
of the land, that they may dwell
with me : * he that walked in a
perfect way, he ministered unto
me.
He that doeth proud things shall
not dwell within mine house : * he
that speaketh wickedness was not
upright in my sight.
I will early destroy all the wicked
of the land : * that I may cut off
all wicked doers from the city of the
LORD.
Antiphon. l Make a joyful noise
unto GOD, all ye lands.
Third Antiphon. O God.
Psalm CI.
[Intituled "A Prayer of the afflicted,
when he is overwhelmed, and poureth
out his complaint before the LORD."]
IT EAR my prayer, O LORD, *
* *- and let my cry come unto
Thee.
Hide not Thy face from me : *
! in the day when I am in trouble
incline Thine ear unto me.
In the day when I call upon
Thee, * answer me speedily.
For my days are wasted away like
smoke : * and my bones are con
sumed as a firebrand.
I am smitten like grass, and mine
heart is withered : * for I have
forgotten to eat my bread.
By reason of the voice of my
groaning * my bones cleave to my
flesh.
I am like a pelican of the wil
derness : * I am like an owl in his
hole.
I watch, * and am as a sparrow
alone upon the house-top.
Mine enemies reproached me
all the day : * and they that
praised me are sworn together
against me.
For I have eaten ashes like bread,
* and mingled my drink with weep
ing :
Because of thine indignation and
wrath : * for Thou hast lifted me up
and cast me down.
My days are like a shadow that
declineth : * and I am withered like
grass.
But Thou, O LORD, endurest for
ever, * and Thy remembrance unto
all generations.
Thou shalt arise and have mercy
upon Zion : * for the time to
favour her, yea, the set time, is
come.
For Thy servants take pleasure
in her stones : * and have pity on
her dust.
So the heathen shall fear Thy
name, O LORD, * and all the kings
of the earth Thy glory.
When the LORD shall build up
Zion, * He shall appear in His
glory.
5. XClXs I.
i6o
THE PSALTER.
He hath had regard unto the
prayer of the destitute, * and hath
not despised their supplication.
Let this be written for the gen
eration to come : * and the people
which shall be created shall praise
the LORD.
For He hath looked down from
the height of His sanctuary : *
from heaven did the LORD behold
the earth :
To hear the groaning of the
prisoners, * to loose the children
of the slain.
To declare the name of the
LORD in Zion, * and His praise in
Jerusalem.
When the people are gathered
together, * and the kings, to serve
the LORD.
1 He answered him in the way
of his strength : * Show me the
shortness of my days.
Call me not away in the midst of
my days : * Thy years are unto all
generations.
Thou, Lord, in the beginning,
hast laid the foundation of the
earth : * and the heavens are the
works of Thine hands.
They shall perish, but Thou re-
mainest : * and they all shall wax
old as doth a garment :
And as a vesture shalt Thou
change them, and they shall be
changed : * but Thou art the
Same, and Thy years shall not
fail.
The children of Thy servants shall
continue : * and their seed shall be
established for ever.
Psalm CII.
[Intituled "of David."]
"DLESS the LORD, O my soul: *
J-J and all that is within me, bless
His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, * and
forget not all His benefits.
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities :
* Who healeth all thy diseases.
Who redeemeth thy life from
destruction : * Who crowneth thee
with loving - kindness and tender
mercies.
Who satisfieth thy desire with
good things : * thy youth is re
newed like the eagle s.
The LORD executeth mercy, * and
judgment for all that are oppressed.
He made known His ways unto
Moses, * His will unto the chil
dren of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gra
cious : * slow to anger, and plen
teous in mercy.
He will not always chide : *
neither will He keep His anger for
ever.
He hath not dealt with us after
our sins : * nor rewarded us accord
ing to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above
the earth, * so great is His mercy
toward them that fear Him.
As far as the east is from the
west, * so far hath He removed our
transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his chil
dren, so the LORD pitieth them that
fear Him. * For He knoweth our
frame ;
1 "He" may be taken for the "afflicted man" who has just given utterance to his
hopes of a brighter future. The Hebrew, (as now pointed,) reads: " Pie afflicted in the
way his (my) strength, he cut short my days." The Alexandrian translators, using an
unpointed text, took the opening word of the clause to mean " he answered " instead
of "he afflicted" as they might easily do, the letters being the same for either word.
The Hebrew text itself is not quite settled.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
161
He remembereth that we are
dust : * as for man, his days are as
grass, as a flower of the field so
shall he flourish.
For the wind passeth over it, and
it is gone, * and the place thereof
shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is
from everlasting " to everlasting
upon them that fear Him,
And His righteousness unto chil
dren s children ; * to such as keep
His covenant,
And to those that remember His
commandments, * to do them.
The LORD hath prepared His
throne in heaven, * and His king
dom shall rule over all.
Bless the LORD, all ye His
Angels, * that excel in strength,
that do His commandments, to
hearken unto the voice of His
word.
Bless ye the LORD, all ye His
hosts : * ye ministers of His that
do His pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all His works :
* in all places of His dominion ;
bless the LORD, O my soul !
Antiphon. l O God, let my cry
come unto Thee.
Fourth Antiphon. Bless the
LORD.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, " O my soul."
Psalm CIII.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
Psalm to David.]
BLESS the LORD, O my soul : *
O LORD my God, Thou art
very great !
Thou art clothed with honour and
i p s c i. T&gt; 2 So is this passage translated, Heb.
VOL. III.
majesty, * covering Thyself with
light as with a garment !
Who stretchest out the heavens
like a curtain, * Who coverest their
upper chambers with the waters !
Who makest the clouds Thy
chariot, * Who walkest upon the
wings of the wind !
Who makest Thine Angels spi
rits : * and Thy ministers a flame
of fire ! 2
Who layest the foundations of the
earth * it shall not be removed for
ever !
Thou coveredst it with the deep
as with a garment, * the waters
stood above the mountains.
At Thy rebuke they fled : * at
the voice of Thy thunder they hasted
fearfully away.
The mountains go up, and the
valleys go down, * into the place
which Thou hast founded for them.
Thou hast set a bound, that
they may not pass over : * that
they turn not again to cover the
earth.
Who sendeth springs into the
valleys : * the waters run among
the hills.
All the beasts of the field drink
thereof: * the wild asses seek them
in their thirst.
By them build the fowls of the
heaven their habitation ; * they sing
among the rocks.
He watereth the hills from His
upper chambers : * the earth is
satisfied with the fruit of Thy
works.
He causeth the grass to grow for
the cattle, * and herb for the service
of men :
That Thou mayest bring forth
food out of the earth, * and wine
1 62
THE PSALTER.
that maketh glad the heart of
man ;
Oil to make his face to shine, *
and bread to strengthen man s
heart.
The trees of the field are filled
[with sap], the cedars of Lebanon
also, which He hath planted :
there the birds make their nests.
The stork s nest is the highest
among them : * the high hills are a
refuge for the wild goats, and the
rocks for the conies.
He hath appointed the moon for
seasons : * the sun knoweth his
going down.
Thou makest darkness, and it is
night : * wherein all the beasts of
the forest do come forth.
The young lions roar after their
prey, * and seek their meat from
God.
The sun ariseth, and they gather
themselves together: * and lay
them down in their dens.
Man goeth forth unto his work,
* and to his labour, until the even
ing.
O LORD, how manifold are Thy
works ! * in wisdom hast Thou
made them all : the earth is full of
Thy riches.
So is this great and wide sea :
* wherein are things creeping in
numerable.
Both small and great beasts : *
there go the ships;
There is that Leviathan whom
Thou hast made to play with him :
* these all wait upon Thee, that
Thou mayest give them their meat
in due season.
That thou givest them, they
gather : * when Thou openest Thine
hand, they are all filled with good.
Thou hidest Thy face, they are
troubled : * Thou takest away their
breath, they die, and return to their
dust.
Thou sendest forth Thy spirit,
and they are created : * and Thou
renewest the face of the earth.
Let the glory of the LORD endure
for ever ! * the LORD shall rejoice in
His works.
He looketh on the earth and
maketh it to tremble : * He touch-
eth the mountains and they smoke.
I will sing unto the LORD as long
as I live : * I will sing praise to my
God while I have my being.
My meditation of Him shall be
sweet : * I will be glad in the
LORD.
Let the sinners be consumed out
of the earth, and let the wicked be
no more : * bless thou the LORD, O
my soul ! l
Psalm CIV.
[The first fifteen verses of this Psalm
are found in a slightly different edition in
I Par. (Chron.) xvi. as the first part of a
Psalm given by David to Asaph and his
brethren, on the day that the ark was
brought to Jerusalem. The rest is our
present Psalm xcv., which see with the
notes, p. 148. The Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix "Alleluia."]
OGIVE thanks unto the LORD,
and call upon His name : *
make known His deeds among the
heathen.
Sing unto Him, and sing psalms
unto Him : * talk ye of all His
wondrous works.
Glory ye in His holy name: *
let the heart of them rejoice that
seek the LORD.
Seek the LORD, and be strong:
* seek His face evermore.
1 "Alleluia" is here appended in the Hebrew.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
I6 3
Remember His marvellous works
that He hath done: * His won
ders and the judgments of his
mouth.
O ye seed of Abraham, His ser
vant, * ye children of Jacob His
chosen !
He is the LORD our God : * His
judgments are in all the earth.
He hath remembered His cove
nant for ever, * r the word which
He commanded to a thousand gen
erations
[The covenant] that He made
with Abraham : * and His oath
unto Isaac.
And He confirmed the same
unto Jacob for a law, * and to
Israel for an everlasting covenant.
Saying : Unto thee will I give
the land of Canaan, * the lot of
your inheritance.
When they were but a few men
in number, * very few, and strangers
in it.
And they went from one nation
to another, * and from one king
dom to another people.
He suffered no man to do them
wrong : * yea, He reproved kings
for their sakes.
Touch not Mine anointed, * and
do My prophets no harm. 1
Moreover He called for a famine
upon the land : * and brake the
whole staff of bread.
He sent a man before them : *
Joseph was sold for a servant :
Whose feet they hurt with fetters,
the iron entered into his soul. *
Until his word came,
The word of the LORD tried
him : * the king sent and loosed
him ; even the ruler of the people,
and let him go free.
1 Here ends the portion found
He made him lord of his house,
* and ruler of all his substance.
To instruct his princes at his
pleasure, * and teach his elders
wisdom.
Israel also came into Egypt, *
and Jacob sojourned in the land
of Ham.
And He increased His people
greatly : * and made them stronger
than their enemies.
He turned their heart to hate
His people, * and to deal subtilly
with his servants.
He sent Moses His servant, *
and Aaron whom He had chosen.
He showed signs among them,
* and wonders in the land of
Ham.
He sent darkness and made it
dark : * He made not His words,
of none effect.
He turned their waters into
blood, * and slew their fish.
Their land brought forth frogs, *
in the chambers of their kings .
He spake, and there came divers
sorts of flies, * and lice in all their
coasts.
He gave them hail for rain, *
flaming fire in their land.
He smote their vines also and
their fig-trees, * and brake the trees
of their coasts.
He spake, and the locust came,
and the caterpillar, * without
number,
And ate up all the herb in their
land, * and devoured all the fruit
of their ground.
He smote also all the first-born
in their land, * the chief of all
their travail.
He brought them forth also with
silver and gold : * and there was
in I Par. (Chron.) xvi. 22.
164
THE PSALTER.
not one feeble person among their
tribes.
Egypt was glad when they de
parted : * for the fear of them fell
upon them.
He spread a cloud for a cover
ing, * and fire to give light in the
night.
They asked, and the quail came,
* and He satisfied them with the
bread of heaven.
He opened the rock and the
waters gushed out, * the rivers
ran through the dry places.
For He remembered His holy
promise,
that He made unto
Abraham His servant.
And He brought forth His people
with joy, * and His chosen with
gladness.
And gave them the lands of the
heathen, * and they inherited the
labour of the peoples.
That they might observe His
statutes, * and keep His laws.
[Here the Hebrew adds "Alleluia."]
Antiphon. l Bless the LORD, O
my soul !
Fifth Antiphon. Visit us.
Psalm CV.
[Superscribed "Alleluia."]
OGIVE thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good : * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
Who can utter the mighty acts
of the LORD? * who can show
forth all His praise ?
Blessed are they that keep judg
ment, * and they that do righteous
ness at all times.
Remember us, O LORD, with
1 Ps.
the favour that Thou showest unto
Thy people : * O visit us with
Thy salvation :
That I may see the good of Thy
chosen, that I may rejoice in the
gladness of Thy people, * that
Thou mayest be praised in Thine
inheritance.
We have sinned with our fathers :
* we have done wickedly, we have
committed iniquity.
Our fathers considered not Thy
wonders in Egypt : * they remem
bered not the multitude of Thy
mercies,
But provoked Him when they
went up unto the sea, * even the
Red Sea.
Nevertheless He saved them for
His name s sake, * that He might
make His mighty power to be
known.
He rebuked the Red Sea also,
and it was dried up : * and He
led them through the depths as
through the wilderness.
And He saved them from the
hand of them that hated them, *
and redeemed them from the hand
of the enemy.
And the waters covered their
enemies : * there was not one of
them left.
And they believed His words :
* and sang His praise.
They soon forgot His works : *
and waited not for His counsel.
And lusted exceedingly in the
wilderness : * and tempted God
in the desert.
And He gave them their request,
* and sent fulness into their soul.
They provoked Moses also in the
camp, * and Aaron, the saint of the
LORD.
cii. i.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
165
The earth opened and swallowed
up Dathan, * and covered the com
pany of Abiram. 1
And a fire was kindled in their
assembly, .* the flame burned up
the wicked.
2 They made a calf also in
Horeb, and worshipped the
graven image.
Thus they changed their Glory *
into the similitude of a calf that
eateth grass.
They forgat God their Saviour,
* Who had done great things in
Egypt, wondrous works in the land
of Ham, terrible things by the Red
Sea.
Therefore He said that He would
cut them off, * had not Moses His
chosen stood before Him in the
breach,
To turn away His wrath, lest
He should destroy them : * yea,
they despised the pleasant land ;
They believed not His words :
but murmured in their tents :
they hearkened not unto the voice
of the LORD.
He also lifted up His hand
against them, * to overthrow them
in the wilderness.
To overthrow their seed also
among the nations, * and to scat
ter them in the lands.
They joined themselves also unto
Baal-peor, 3 * and ate the sacrifices
of the dead.
And they provoked Him to
anger with their inventions : * and
the carcasses lay thick among
them.
Then stood up Phinehas and
made a propitiation : and the
plague was stayed.
And that was counted unto him
for righteousness, * unto all genera
tions for evermore.
They angered Him also at the
waters of " Provocation," 4 so
that it went ill with Moses for
their sakes ; because they provoked
his spirit;
So that he spake unadvisedly with
his lips. 5 * They did not destroy
the nations concerning whom the
LORD commanded them : 6
And they were mingled among
the heathen, and learned their
works, and served their idols :
and it became a snare to them.
Yea, they sacrificed their sons
* and their daughters unto devils.
1 Numbers xvi. They tried to stir up a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, upon
levelling principles, "and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up, while
some of their partizans were consumed by a fire which issued from the sanctuary.
2 For the well-known history of the golden calf, see Exod. xxxii.
3 I e "the Lord of Mount Peor," an idol of the Moabites. The whole history of this
lapse of the Israelites, and how Phinehas stopped the plague by killing one pair of
the transgressors, is in Numbers xxv. "And the LORD spake unto Moses saying :
Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the Priest, hath turned My wrath
away from the children of Israel. . . . Behold, I give unto him My covenant of
peace ; and he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an ever!
Priesthood. "
f ee .O te n And Soses^ 3&gt; . said unto them: Hear now, ye rebe.s must
you wate out of this rock?" v. 12. "And the LORD spake ""to Moses
Tn J h udes i. 2 i to the end, is a long list of the districts of idolaters whom they left in
Canaan and among whom they lived.
1 66
THE PSALTER.
And shed innocent blood, * even
the blood of their sons and of their
daughters, whom they sacrificed unto
the idols of Chanaan :
And the land was polluted with
blood. They were defiled also
with their own works, * and went
a whoring with their own inven
tions.
Therefore was the wrath of the
LORD kindled against His people,
* and He abhorred His own in
heritance.
And He gave them into the hand
of the heathen : * and they that
hated them ruled over them.
Their enemies also oppressed
them, and they were brought into
subjection under their hand. *
Many times did He deliver them,
But they provoked Him with
their counsel, * and they were
brought low for their iniquity.
But He regarded their affliction,
* and heard their cry.
And He remembered His cove
nant, * and repented according to
the multitude of His mercies.
He made them also to be pitied
* of all those that carried them
captives.
Save us, O LORD our God, *
and gather us from among the
nations !
To give thanks unto Thy holy
Name, * and to triumph in Thy
praise.
Blessed be the LORD God of
Israel from everlasting to everlast
ing : * and let all the people say :
Amen, Amen.
[The Hebrew adds "Alleluia," which
the Vulgate and the LXX. prefix to
the next Psalm. Here ends the fourth
of the five books into which the Psalter
is divided.]
Psalm CVI.
GIVE thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good : * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD
say so, whom He hath redeemed
from the hand of the enemy : *
and gathered them out of the
lands,
From the rising of the sun and
from the setting thereof, * from
the north and from the south.
They wandered in the wilderness
in a dry land : * they found no
pathway to a city to dwell in :
Hungry and thirsty, * their soul
fainted in them.
Then they cried unto the LORD
in their trouble; * and He de
livered them out of their distresses.
And He led them forth by the
right way, * that they might go
to a city to dwell in.
O that men would praise the
LORD for His goodness : * and for
His wonderful works to the children
of men !
For He satisfieth the longing
soul : * and filleth the hungry soul
with goodness.
Such as sit in darkness and in
the shadow of death, * being bound
in affliction and iron.
Because they rebelled against the
words of God, * and contemned the
counsel of the Most High.
Therefore their heart was brought
down with labour : * they fell down,
and there was none to help.
Then they cried unto the LORD
in their trouble : * and He de
livered them out of their distresses.
And He brought them out of
darkness and the shadow of death :
* and brake their bands in sunder.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
I6 7
O that men would praise the
LORD for His goodness : * and
for His wonderful works to the
children of men !
For He hath broken the gates
of brass, * and cut the bars of iron
in sunder.
He saved them from the way
of their transgression : * for they
were afflicted because of their in
iquities.
Their soul abhorred all manner
of meat : * and they drew near even
unto the gates of death.
Then they cried unto the LORD
in their trouble : * and He de
livered them out of their dis
tresses.
He sent His word and healed
them, * and delivered them from
their straits.
O that men would praise the
LORD for His goodness : * and for
His wonderful works to the children
of men !
Yea, let them sacrifice the sacri
fice of thanksgiving, * and declare
His works with rejoicing.
They that go down to the sea
in ships, * and do business in great
waters ;
These see the works of the LORD,
* and His wonders in the deep.
He commandeth, and the stormy
wind riseth, * and the waves thereof
are lifted up.
They mount up to the heaven,
and go down again to the depths :
* their soul is melted because of
trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger
like a drunken man, * and are at
their wits end.
Then they cry unto the LORD
in their trouble, * and He delivereth
them out of their distresses.
And He maketh the storm a
calm, * and the waves thereof are
still.
And they are glad because [the
breakers] be quiet : * so He
bringeth them unto their desired
haven.
O that men would praise the
LORD for His goodness : * and for
His wonderful works to the children
of men !
Let them exalt Him also in the
congregation of the people, * and
praise Him in the assembly of the
elders.
He turneth the rivers into a
wilderness, * and the water-springs
into dry ground ;
A fruitful land into a salt desert,
* for the wickedness of them that
dwell therein.
He turneth the wilderness into a
standing-water, * and dry ground
into water-springs.
And there He maketh the hungry
to abide, * and they prepare a city
to dwell in :
And sow the fields, and plant
vineyards, * and bring forth fruits
of increase.
He blesseth them also, and they
are multiplied greatly: * and He
suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
Again they are minished, * and
brought low, through oppression,
affliction, and sorrow.
He poureth contempt upon prin
ces, * and He causeth them to
wander in the wilderness, and in
the land where there is no way.
Yet helpeth He the poor from
affliction, * and maketh him fami
lies like a flock.
The righteous shall see it and
rejoice : * and all iniquity shall stop
her mouth.
i68
THE PSALTER.
Who is wise, and will observe
these things ? * even he shall un
derstand the loving-kindness of the
LORD.
Antiphon. 1 Visit us with Thy
salvation, O LORD.
Sixth Antiphon. I will greatly
praise.
Psalm CVII.
[Intituled "A Song. A Psalm of David."
It is a compilation of Ps. Ivi. 8-12, and
Ps. lix. 6-14.]
A /TINE heart is ready, O God,
LA mine heart is ready: * I
will sing and give praise, even with
my glory.
Awake up, my glory, awake,
psaltery and harp ! * I will awake
right early.
I will praise Thee, O LORD,
among the people : * and sing unto
Thee among the nations.
For Thy mercy is great above the
heavens : * and Thy truth unto the
clouds.
Be Thou exalted, O God,
above the heavens, and let Thy
glory be above all the earth : *
2 that Thy beloved may be de
livered :
Save with Thy right hand and
hear me. * God hath spoken in
His holiness :
I will rejoice, and divide She-
chem, * and mete out the valley of
booths.
Gilead is mine ; and Manasseh
is mine : * Ephraim also is the
strength of mine head :
Judah is my King : * Moab is
the vessel [of the triumph] of mine
hope.
Over Edom will I cast out my
shoe : * over the " Strangers " have
I triumphed.
Who will bring me into the strong
city ? * who will lead me into
Edom ?
Wilt not Thou, O God, Who
hast cast us off? * and wilt not
Thou go forth with our armies,
O God?
Give us help from trouble : * for
vain is the help of man.
Through God we shall do val
iantly : * and He it is That shall
tread down our enemies.
Psalm CVIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
superscription, probably musical, but now
uncertain.]
T_T OLD not Thy peace, O God
-*- ^ of my praise : * for the
mouth of the wicked, and the
mouth of the deceitful are opened
against me :
They have spoken against me
with a lying tongue : they com
passed me about also with words of
hatred : * and fought against me
without a cause.
In return for my love they were
mine adversaries : * but I gave
myself unto prayer.
And they have rewarded me evil
for good, * and hatred for my love.
Set Thou a wicked man over
him : * and let the devil stand at
his right hand.
When he is judged, let him go
forth condemned : * and let his
prayer become sin.
Let his days be few ; * and let
another take his office.
1 Ps. cv. 4.
2 Here begins the extract from Ps. lix. See that Psalm and notes on it, p. 112.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
169
Let his children be fatherless, *
and his wife a widow.
Let his children be continually
vagabonds, and beg : * and let
them be driven out of their dwell
ings.
Let the extortioner catch all that
he hath : * and let the stranger spoil
his labour.
Let there be none to extend
mercy unto him : * and let there
be none to have pity on his little
ones.
Let his posterity be cut off: * in
one generation let their name be
blotted out.
Let the iniquity of his fathers be
remembered before the LORD :
and let not the sin of his mother be
blotted out.
Let them be before the LORD
continually, and let their memory
be cut off from the earth. * Be
cause that he remembered not to
show mercy,
But persecuted the poor and
needy man, * and the broken in
heart, that he might slay him.
As he loved cursing, so let it
come unto him : * as he delighted
not in blessing, so let it be far
from him :
As he clothed himself with curs
ing, like as with a garment, * so
let it come into his bowels like
water, and like oil into his bones.
Let it be unto him as the gar
ment which covereth him, * and
for a girdle wherewith he may be
girded continually.
Let this be the reward of mine
adversaries from the LORD : * and
of them that speak evil against my
soul.
And do Thou for me, O LORD,
1 Ps.
VOL. III.
for Thy name s sake, O Lord, *
because Thy mercy is good.
Deliver Thou me, for I am
poor and needy : * and mine heart
is wounded within me.
I am gone like the shadow when
it declineth : * and tossed up and
down as the locust.
My knees are weak through
fasting : * and my flesh faileth
of fatness.
I became also a reproach unto
them : * they looked upon me,
and shaked their heads.
Help me, O LORD my God ! *
O save me according to Thy
mercy.
That they also may know that
this is Thine hand : * and Thou,
LORD, hast done it !
Let them curse, but bless Thou :
* when they arise against me let
them be ashamed : but let Thy
servant rejoice.
Let mine adversaries be clothed
with shame : * and let them be
covered with their own confusion
as with a mantle.
I will greatly praise the LORD
with my mouth : * yea, I will
praise Him among the multitude.
For He standeth at the right
hand of the poor, * to save my
soul from them that persecute me.
Antiphon. l l will greatly praise
the LORD with my mouth.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. The LORD cometh out of
His holy place.
cviii. 30.
F 2
THE PSALTER.
Answer. He will come and save
His people.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. l Hear my prayer, O
LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
In Lent.
Verse. His truth shall be thy
shield.
Answer. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night.
In Passion time.
Verse. Take not away my soul
with sinners, O God.
Answer. Nor my life with bloody
men.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The disciples were glad,
Alleluia.
Answer. When they saw the Lord,
Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the Third
Nocturn of the preceding Sunday, ex
cept necessary differences. The Lessons
are those of the day. The Responsories
are arranged according to the rules in
Chapter xxvii. 4, 5, of the General
Rubrics.
No Festal Office can occur, except
that of the Immaculate Conception of
the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Ps. ci. 2.
at
THE SABBATH.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows:
Antiphon. Do good.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, &c., (/.
87).
Antiphon. Do good, O Lord, in
Thy good pleasure.
Second Antiphon. It is a good
thing.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, "To give
thanks."
Psalm XCI.
[Intituled "A Psalm. A Song for the
Sabbath Day."]
TT is a good thing to give thanks
^ unto the LORD, * and to sing
praises unto Thy name, O Most
High!
To show forth Thy loving-kind
ness in the morning, * and Thy
faithfulness in the night;
Upon an instrument of ten
strings : * upon the harp with a
solemn sound.
For Thou, LORD, hast made me
glad through Thy work : * and I
will triumph in the works of Thine
hands.
O LORD, how great are Thy
works ! * Thy thoughts are very
deep.
A brutish man knoweth not : *
neither doth a fool understand this.
When the wicked spring up like
grass : * and when all the workers
of iniquity are seen,
It is that they may be destroyed
for ever: * but Thou, LORD, art
Most High for evermore.
For, lo, Thine enemies, O LORD,
for, lo, Thine enemies shall perish :
* and all the workers of iniquity
shall be scattered.
But mine horn shall be exalted
like the horn of an unicorn : * and
mine old age shall be crowned with
Thy mercy. 1
Mine eye also shall look upon
mine enemies : * and mine ear shall
hear of the wicked that rise up
against me.
The righteous shall flourish like
the palm tree : * he shall grow like
a cedar in Lebanon.
Those that are planted in the
house of the LORD, * in the courts
of the house of our God shall
flourish.
1 Hebrew : " I am anointed with fresh oil."
172
THE PSALTER.
They shall still bring forth fruit
in old age : * they shall flourish,
to declare :
That the LORD our God is up
right : * and that there is no un
righteousness in Him.
Antiphon. It is a good thing to
give thanks unto the LORD.
Third Antiphon. Let all the
ends.
Psalms LXIL, LXVI.
O God, Thou art my God, &c.,
(/ 23).
Antiphon. Let all the ends of
the earth fear the Lord.
Fourth Antiphon. Ascribe ye
greatness.
THE SONG OF MOSES. (Deut. xxxii.)
[Deut. xxxi. 28: "Gather unto me,"
(said Moses) "all the elders of your tribes,
and your officers, that I may speak these
words in their ears, and call heaven and
earth to record against them. For I know
that after my death ye will utterly corrupt
yourselves and turn aside from the way
which I have commanded you ; and evil
will befall you in the latter days ; because
ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to
provoke Him to anger through the work of
your hands. And Moses spake in the ears
of all the congregation of Israel the words
of this song, until they were ended : "]
GIVE ear, O ye heavens, and I
will speak ; * and hear, O
earth, the words of my mouth.
My teaching shall drop as the
rain, * my speech shall distil as the
dew;
As the small rain upon the
tender herb, and as the showers
upon the grass : * because I will
proclaim the name of the LORD.
Ascribe ye greatness unto our
God. * The works of God are
perfect : and all His ways are judg
ment :
A God of truth, and without
iniquity, just and right is He. *
They have sinned against Him,
and by their defilement they are
not His children :
They are a perverse and crooked
generation. * Do ye thus requite
the LORD, O foolish people and
unwise ?
Is not He thy Father? * That
hath bought thee, and made thee,
and created thee ?
Remember the days of old, *
consider generation after genera
tion :
Ask thy father, and he will show
thee * thine elders, and they will
tell thee.
When the Most High divided
the nations, * when He separated
the sons of Adam,
He set the bounds of the people
* according to the number of the
children of Israel.
For the LORD S portion is His
people : * Jacob is the lot of his
inheritance.
He found him in a desert land,
* in the waste and howling wilder
ness :
He led him about and instructed
him, * and kept him as the apple
of His eye.
As the eagle that stirreth up her
young to fly, * and fluttereth over
them,
So spread He abroad His wings,
and took him, * and bore him on
His pinions ;
The LORD alone did lead him,
* and there was no strange god
with him.
He made him ride upon the
high places of the earth, * that
SATURDAY AT LAUDS.
173
he might eat the increase of the
fields :
And He made him to suck
honey out of the rock, * and oil
out of the flinty rock :
Butter of kine, and milk of
sheep, * with fat of lambs and
rams of the breed of Bashan :
And goats, with the fat of wheat,
* and to drink the pure blood of
the grape.
The "Beloved" 1 waxed fat, and
kicked : * he was waxen fat, he
was grown plump, he was covered
with fatness :
He forsook God That made him,
* and departed from the God of
his salvation.
They provoked Him to jealousy
with strange gods, * and with
abominations provoked they Him
to anger.
They sacrificed unto devils, and
to things that were no gods, * to
gods whom they knew not,
New gods that came newly up,
* whom their fathers feared not.
The God That begat thee hast
thou forsaken, * and hast forgotten
God That formed thee.
When the LORD saw it, He was
roused to anger, * because of the
provoking of His sons and of His
daughters.
And He said : I will hide My
face from them, * and see what
their end shall be :
For they are a very froward
generation, * children in whom is
no faith.
They have moved Me to jealousy
with that which is not God, * and
provoked Me to anger with their
vanities :
And I will move them to jealousy
with those who are not a people,
* and provoke them to anger with
a foolish nation.
A fire is kindled in Mine anger,
* and shall burn unto the lowest
hell,
And shall consume the earth with
her increasej * and set on fire the
foundations of the mountains.
I will heap mischiefs upon them,
* and will spend Mine arrows upon
them.
They shall be wasted with hun
ger, * and the birds of the air
shall prey on them with a very
grievous devouring :
I will send the teeth of beasts
upon them, * with the poison of
serpents creeping in the dust.
The sword without and terror
within shall destroy * both the
young man and the virgin, the
suckling with the man of grey
hairs.
I said : Where are they ? * I
will make the remembrance of
them to cease among men :
But I forbore because of the
wrath of the enemy, * lest their
adversaries should triumph,
And lest they should say : Our
high hand, and not the LORD, *
hath done all this.
They are a nation void of coun
sel, neither is there any under
standing in them. * O that they
were wise, and that they understood
this, and would consider their latter
end!
How should one chase a thou
sand, * and two put ten thousand
to flight !
Except their God had sold them,
1 Jeshurun but that this pet-name of the Israelite people means "Beloved" is not
now reckoned certain.
174
THE PSALTER.
* and the LORD had delivered them
up !
For their gods are not as our
God, * even our enemies them
selves being judges.
Their vine is of the vine of
Sodom, * and of the fields of Go
morrah :
Their grapes are grapes of gall,
* and their clusters are bitter :
Their wine is the poison of
dragons, * and the cruel venom of
asps.
Is not this laid up in store with
Me, * and sealed up among My
treasures ?
To Me belongeth vengeance,
and I will repay in due time, * to
make their foot to slide.
The day of their calamity is at
hand, * and the things that shall
come upon them make haste.
The LORD shall judge His people,
* and take pity on His servants,
When He seeth that their hand
is weakened, * and there is none
shut up and left, and that they
that remained are consumed.
And He shall say : Where are
their gods, * in whom they trusted ?
Of whose sacrifices they did eat
the fat, * and drank the wine of
their drink-offerings?
Let them rise up, and help you,
* and be your protection in the
time of need.
See now that I, even I, am
He, * and there is no god with
Me:
I kill, and I make alive : I wound
and I heal : * neither is there any
that can deliver out of Mine hand.
I will lift up Mine hand to
heaven, and say : * I live for ever.
If I whet My glittering sword,
t and Mine hand take hold on
judgment ;
I will render vengeance to Mine
enemies, * and will requite them
that hate Me.
I will make Mine arrows drunk
with blood, * and My sword shall
devour flesh;
With the blood of the slain * and
of the captives, and of the despoiled
chief of the enemy.
Rejoice with His people, ye
nations : * for He will avenge the
blood of His servants,
And will render vengeance to
their adversaries, * and will be
merciful unto the land of His
people.
Antiphon. Ascribe ye greatness
unto our God.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise God.
Psalms CXLVIII., CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD from the
heavens, &c., (pp. 25, 26).
Antiphon. Praise God upon the
loud cymbals.
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
The night is far spent, &c., (as
on Monday, p. 89).
HYMN. 1
/ T*HE dawn is sprinkled o er the sky,
* The day steals softly on ;
Its darts are scattered far and nigh,
And all that fraudful is, shall fly
Before the brightening sun ;
Spectres of ill, that stalk at will,
And forms of guilt that fright,
And hideous sin, that ventures in
Under the cloak of night.
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, considerably altered ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
SATURDAY AT LAUDS.
175
And of our crimes the tale complete,
Which bows us in Thy sight,
Up to the latest, they shall fleet,
Out-told by our full numbers sweet,
And melted by the light.
To Father, Son, and Spirit, One,
Whom we adore and love,
Be given all praise, now and always,
Here as in Heaven above.
Amen.
Verse. Thou hast satisfied us
early with Thy mercy.
Ansiver. We rejoice and are glad.
Antiphon for the Song of Zacha-
rias. Give light, O Lord, * unto
them that sit in darkness, and guide
our feet into the way of peace, O
Thou God of Israel !
Commemoration of the Cross before
the others, and Long Preces in Ad
vent and Lent, and on Fast-days,
except the Eves of Christmas and
Pentecost.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG. 1
StmtJag.
THE LORD S DAY.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
At the beginning of Vespers the
Lord s Prayer and the Angelic Salu
tation are said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as
we forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into tempta
tion ; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
IT AIL, Mary, full of grace; The
^ * Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now, and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
Then is said aloud:
Verse. *J&lt; Make haste, O God,
to deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help
me, O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. mies.
1 The proper hour for Vespers is sunset, reckoned to be about 6 P.M.
recitation, they ought not usually to be begun before noon.
From Septuagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of "Alle
luia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
Then follow the Psalms. They are
said under Five Antiphons, except in
Paschal time when there is only one,
and when these are not specially given,
those given here are used.
Antiphon. The LORD said.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words " Unto my
Lord."
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia.
Psalm CIX.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." The
first verse was quoted by our Lord. Matth.
xxii. 44 ; Mark xii. 36 ; Luke xx. 42.]
HPHE LORD said unto my Lord :
A * Sit Thou at My right hand,
Until I make Thine enemies *
Thy footstool.
The LORD shall send the rod of
Thy strength out of Zion : * rule
Thou in the midst of Thine ene-
In private
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
177
Thine shall be the dominion in
the day of Thy power, amid the
brightness of the saints : * from the
womb, before the day-star have I
begotten Thee.
The LORD hath sworn, and will
not repent : * Thou art a Priest for
ever after the order of Melchisedek.
The Lord at Thy right hand *
shall strike through kings in the
day of His wrath.
He shall judge among the hea
then, He shall fill the places with
dead bodies : * He shall wound the
heads over many countries.
He shall drink of the brook in
the way: * therefore shall he lift
up his head.
Antiphon, The LORD said unto
my Lord : * Sit Thou at My right
hand.
Second Antiphon. All His com
mandments.
Psalm CX.
[The Hebrew prefixes "Alleluia," and
begins, " I will praise the LORD." The
Psalm is A B C Darian.]
T WILL praise Thee, O LORD,
-*- with my whole heart : * in the
assembly of the upright, and in the
congregation.
The works of the LORD are great,
* meet to serve for the doing of
His will.
His work is honourable and glo
rious, * and His righteousness en-
dureth for ever.
He hath made a memorial of
His wonderful works : the LORD
is gracious and full of compassion.
He hath given meat unto them
that fear Him :
He will ever be mindful of His
1 Ps. c
covenant. He will show His
people the power of His works,
That He may give them the
heritage of the heathen. * The
works of His hands are verity and
judgment :
All His commandments are sure ;
they stand fast for ever and ever, *
being done in truth and uprightness.
He sent redemption unto His
people : He hath - commanded His
covenant for ever :
Holy and terrible is His Name.
* The fear of the LORD is the be
ginning of wisdom :
A good understanding have all
they that do His commandments :
* His praise endureth for ever.
Antiphon. 1 A11 His command
ments are sure ; they stand fast for
ever and ever.
Third Antiphon. In His com
mandments.
Psalm CXI.
[The Hebrew prefixes "Alleluia." The
Vulgate adds to the superscription "on the
return of Haggai and Zechariah [from the
Captivity]." See Thursday, fifth week in
November. The Psalm is A B C Darian.]
OLESSED is the man that fear-
*-* eth the LORD : * that de-
lighteth greatly in His command
ments.
His seed shall be mighty upon
earth ; * the generation of the up
right shall be blessed.
Glory and riches shall be in his
house : * and his righteousness en
dureth for ever.
Unto the upright there ariseth
light in the darkness : * he is
gracious, and full of compassion,
and righteous.
THE PSALTER.
Happy is the man that showeth
favour and lendeth ; he will guide
his words with discretion : * surely
he shall not be moved for ever :
The righteous shall be in ever
lasting remembrance. He shall
not be afraid of evil tidings :
His heart is ready, trusting in the
LORD. His heart is established, *
he shall not be afraid until he see
his desire upon his enemies.
He hath dispersed, he hath given
to the poor : his righteousness en-
dureth for ever : * his horn shall
be exalted with honour.
The wicked shall see it, and be
grieved ; he shall gnash his teeth,
and melt away : * the desire of
the wicked shall perish.
Antiphon. In His command
ments he delighteth greatly.
Fourth Antiphon. Blessed be the
Name.
Psalm CXII.
[The Hebrew prefixes "Alleluia."]
PRAISE the LORD, O ye His
servants, * praise the Name
of the LORD.
Blessed be the Name of the
LORD, * from this time forth, and
for evermore !
From the rising of the sun unto
the going down of the same, * the
LORD S Name is to be praised.
The LORD is high above all
nations, * and His glory above the
heavens.
Who is like unto the LORD our
God, Who dwelleth on high, *
and beholdeth what is lowly in
heaven, and in the earth?
He raiseth up the poor out of
the dust, * and lifteth the needy
out of the dung-hill;
That He may set him with
princes, * even with the princes
of His people.
He maketh the barren woman
to keep house, * and to be a joy
ful mother of children.
[The Hebrew adds " Alleluia," which
the Vulgate and the LXX. prefix to the
next Psalm.]
Antiphon. Blessed be the Name
of the LORD for evermore.
Fifth Antiphon. We that live.
Psalm CXI 1 1.
WHEN Israel went out of Egypt,
* the house of Jacob from
a people of strange language,
Judah was His sanctuary, * and
Israel His dominion.
The sea saw it and fled : * Jor
dan was driven back.
The mountains skipped like rams,
* and the little hills like lambs.
What ailed thee, O thou sea,
that thou fleddest? * and thou
Jordan, that thou wast driven back ?
Ye mountains, that ye skipped
like rams? * and ye little hills,
like lambs?
The earth trembled at the pres
ence of the Lord, * at the presence
of the God of Jacob :
Who turned the rock into a
standing water, * and the flint into
a fountain of waters. 1
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us:
* but unto Thy Name give glory,
For Thy mercy, and for Thy
truth s sake. * Wherefore should
the heathen say : Where is now
their God?
1 In the Hebrew here ends Ps. cxiv. and the next words begin cxv.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
179
But our God is in the heavens :
* He hath done whatsoever He
hath pleased.
The idols of the heathen are
silver and gold, * the work of
men s hands.
They have mouths, but they
speak not : * eyes have they, but
they see not.
They have ears, but they hear
not : * noses have they, but they
smell not :
They have hands, but they handle
not : feet have they, but they walk
not : * neither speak they through
their throat.
May they that make them be
like unto them : * even every one
that trusteth in them.
The house of Israel trusteth
in the LORD : * He is their help
and their shield.
The house of Aaron trusteth in
the LORD : * He is their help and
their shield.
They that fear the LORD trust
in the LORD : * He is their help
and their shield.
The LORD hath been mindful of
us, * and blessed us :
He hath blessed the house of Is
rael : * He hath blessed the house
of Aaron.
He hath blessed them that fear
the LORD, * both small and
great.
The LORD increase you more
and more, * you and your chil
dren.
Ye are blessed of the LORD, *
Who made heaven and earth.
The heaven of heavens is the
LORD S : * but the earth hath He
given to the children of men.
The dead shall not praise Thee,
O LORD, * neither all they that go
down into the grave.
But we that live bless the LORD,
* from this time forth for evermore.
[The Hebrew adds "Alleluia."]
Antiphon. We that live bless the
LORD.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Here follows the Chapter. When a
special one ts not given, the following is
used:
CHAPTER. (2 Cor. i. 3.)
OLESSED be God, even the
-*- Father of our Lord JESUS
Christ, the Father of mercies, and
the God of all comfort, Who com-
forteth us in all our tribulation.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
This Answer is always made after
the Chapter.
Then follows the Hymn. When a
special one is not given, the following
is used:
HYMN. 1
FATHER of Lights, by Whom each
day
Is kindled out of night,
Who, when the heavens were made,
didst lay
Their rudiments in light ;
Thou, Who didst bind and blend in one
The glistening morn and evening pale,
Hear Thou our plaint, when light is
gone,
And lawlessness and strife prevail.
Hear, lest the whelming weight of crime
Wreck us with life in view ;
Lest thoughts and schemes of sense
and time
Earn us a sinner s due.
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, very slightly altered ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
i8o
THE PSALTER.
So may we knock at Heaven s door,
And strive the immortal prize to win,
Continually and evermore
Guarded without and pure within.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
If a special one is not given, the follow
ing is used :
Verse. x Let my prayer, O Lord,
be set forth.
Answer. As incense before
Thee.
Then is said the following Canticle
from the Gospel. It has an Antiphon
which is always special, and which is
either begun or said through the first
time before it, according as the Office is
Double or not.
THE SONG OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY. (Luke i. 46.)
MY soul * doth magnify the
Lord:
And my spirit hath rejoiced * in
God my Saviour.
For He hath regarded the low
liness of His handmaiden : * for, be
hold, from henceforth all generations
shall call me blessed.
For He That is Mighty hath done
to me great things : * and holy is His
name.
And His mercy is on them that
fear Him, * from generation to gen
eration.
He hath showed strength with
His arm : * He hath scattered the
proud in the imagination of their
heart.
He hath put down the mighty
from their seat, * and exalted them
of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with
good things, * and the rich He hath
sent empty away.
He hath holpen His servant Is
rael, in remembrance of His
mercy :
As He spake to our fathers, *
to Abraham, and to his seed for
ever.
The Hymn, " Glory be to the Father,
&c.," is said, and then the Antiphon re
peated.
Then is said:
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Then follows the Prayer for the day,
at the end of which is answered;
Answer. Amen.
Afterwards are made any Commemo
rations necessary, by the Antiphon for
the Song of the Blessed Virgin, the Verse
and Answer after the Hymn, and the
Prayer, (preceded by " Let us pray,")
from the superseded Office which is to
be commemorated. After which the fol
lowing Common Commemorations are
made, if required, according to Chapter
xxxv. of the General Rubrics.
When more than two Prayers are to
be said, the last clause of each (beginning
"Through our Lord, &c.," or "Who
livest, c.") is omitted in all except the
first and the last, nor is " Amen " an
swered except after these two.
(Note that if these Commemorations,
with the exception of those of St Joseph,
and SS. Peter and Paul, be said upon
a week-day, kept as such, out of Paschal
time, they are preceded by the Commem
oration of the Cross, given hereafter at
the end of the Lauds of Monday.}
Ps. cxl. 2.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
181
I. Commemoration of the Blessed
Virgin Mary,
(This Commemoration is omitted if
the Office of the day^ be of the Blessed
Virgin, or if her Little Office is to be
said.)
Antiphon. O Holy Mary, be thou
an help to the helpless, a strength to
the fearful, a comfort to the sorrow
ful ; pray for the people, plead for
the clergy, make intercession for all
women vowed to God ; may all that
keep thine holy remembrance, feel
the might of thine assistance.
Verse. Pray for us, O holy Mother
of God.
Ansiver. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
GRANT, we beseech Thee, O
Lord God, unto all Thy ser
vants, that they may continually
enjoy soundness both of mind and
body, and by the glorious inter
cession of the Blessed Mary, always
a Virgin, may be delivered from
present sadness, and enter into the
joy of Thine eternal gladness.
From the Octave of the Epiphany to
Candlemas, the Antiphon is the same,
but the rest is as follows :
Verse. After thy delivery thou
still remainest a Virgin undefiled.
Answer. Mother of God, pray
for us.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, by the fruitful vir-
ginity of the Blessed Mary,
hast given unto mankind the rewards
of everlasting life ; grant, we beseech
Thee, that we may continually feel
the might of her intercession, through
whom we have worthily received the
Author of our life, our Lord JESUS
Christ Thy Son.
II. Commemoration of St Joseph,
Patron of the Universal Church.
(Omitted in the Votive Office of St
Joseph.)
Antiphon. * Behold a faithful and
wise servant whom his Lord hath
made ruler over His household.
Verse. 2 Glory and riches shall
be in his house.
Answer. And his righteousness
endureth for ever.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, in Thine unspeak-
able foreknowledge, didst
choose Thy blessed servant Joseph
to be the husband of Thine Own
most holy Mother; mercifully
grant that now that he is in heaven
with Thee, we who on earth do
reverence him for our defender,
may worthily be holpen by the
succour of his prayers to Thee
on our behalf.
III. Commemoration of the Holy
Apostles, Peter and Paul.
( Omitted in the Votive Office of the
Apostles.)
Antiphon. Peter the Apostle,
and Paul the Teacher of the Gen
tiles, have taught us Thy law, O
Lord.
Verse. 3 Thou shalt make them
princes over all the earth.
Answer. They shall be mindful
of Thy Name, O Lord.
1 Matth. xxiv. 45,
2 Ps. cxi. 3.
3 Ps. xliv. 17, 1 8.
I 82 THE PSALTER.
Let us pray. the deep of the sea, when he suf-
GOD, Whose Right Hand fered shipwreck; graciously hear
caught the Blessed Peter us &gt; and S rant &gt; for the sake of them
when he walked upon the water, both &gt; that we also ma ? attain unto
and began to sink, and thrice de- everlastin g g lor &gt; -
livered his fellow- Apostle Paul from Note 1 .
1 In England, by a special rule in this case, is made
Commemoration of St George, Patron of England.
Antiphon. The Saints through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises.
Verse. O LORD, Thou hast compassed him.
Answer. With Thy favour as with a shield.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who dost gladden us through the worthy deeds and prayers
of Thy blessed Martyr George ; mercifully grant that all they
which seek Thy favour through him, may effectually obtain the gift of
Thy grace.
(And thus it is said within the Octave.)
In the Diocese of Hexham St George is not commemorated, but instead the following
commemoration is made of St Cuthbert :
Antiphon. Holy Cuthbert, our Protector, grace and glory of our father
land, look down upon us from Heaven, and pray God for us, that He grant
us everlasting joy.
Verse. At the prayers of Blessed Cuthbert and for his sake,
Answer. Be merciful unto Thy people, O Lord.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, through the priceless gift of Thy grace, dost make
Thine holy ones glorious, mercifully grant, that the prayers of Thy
Blessed Confessor and Bishop Cuthbert may help us worthily there to
attain, where are the spirits of just men made perfect.
la the Diocese of Northampton the following commemoration of St Thomas of
Canterbury is made before that of St George :
Antiphon. I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am
known of Mine, and I lay down My life for the sheep.
Verse. In your patience
Answer. Possess ye your souls.
Let us pray,
OGOD, in defence of Whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas
fell by the swords of wicked men, grant, we beseech Thee, that all
that ask his help may obtain wholesome fruit of their petition.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG. 183
For Peace. Let us pray.
Antiphon. Give peace in our f^\ GOD, from Whom all holy
time, O Lord, because there is ^^ desires, all good counsels,
none other that fighteth for us, and all just works do proceed;
but only Thou, O our God. give unto Thy servants that peace
Verse. Peace be within thy which the world cannot give, that
alls. both our hearts may be set to
Answer. And prosperity within obey Thy commandments, and also
thy palaces. that by Thee we being defended
In the Diocese of Plymouth the following commemoration of St Boniface of Maintz is
made before that of St George :
Antiphon. Many nations, many thousands of men, did Blessed Boniface
gain for Christ, and forasmuch as he made himself like unto an Apostle
he hath purchased unto himself a great reward in Heaven along with
the Apostles.
Verse. Be strong in the Lord, be strong.
Answer. That ye may live for ever with God.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who wast pleased to make the zeal of Thy Blessed Martyr
and Bishop Boniface the mean whereby Thou didst cause many
peoples to know Thy Name, mercifully grant unto us who honour his
memory to be feelingly holpen by the succour of his protection.
(And so it is said within the Octave.}
In the Diocese of Portsmouth the following commemoration of St Edmund of Canter
bury is made after that of St George :
Antiphon. He loved righteousness and hated iniquity, and therefore
he died in exile.
Verse. Cast out upon a world of woes,
In exile here we roam.
Answer. O Blessed Edmund, by thy prayers,
Gain us the love of home.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who in the abundance of Thy goodness toward Thy Church
hast made her bright by the illustrious life of Thy blessed Confessor
and Bishop Edmund, and gladdened her by his glorious and wondrous
works, mercifully grant unto Thy servants that they may be bettered in
following after his ensample, and shielded by his protection from all
things that may rise up against them.
184
THE PSALTER.
from the fear of our enemies, may
pass our time in rest and quiet
ness. Through our Lord JESUS
Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee, in the unity
of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end.
Answer. Amen.
From the Monday after Low Sunday
till Rogation Tuesday, instead of the
preceding Commemorations, is said the
following:
Paschal Commemoration of the
Cross.
(Omitted in the Votive Offices of
the Blessed Sacrament, and of the
Passion.)
Antiphon. JESUS, our trium
phant Head,
On the Cross s transom dread
The Hands of power and mercy
spread
That brake the prison of the
dead. Alleluia.
Verse. Say among the heathen
Alleluia.
Answer. That the LORD reign
eth from the tree, 1 Alleluia.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who didst send Thy
Son to suffer death for us
upon the Cross, that Thou might-
est deliver us from the power of
the enemy ; grant unto us Thy
servants to be made partakers of
His Resurrection. Through the
Same our Lord JESUS Christ Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, one God, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
After the last Prayer is said:
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer, And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer, Thanks be to God.
Then is said in rather a low voice :
May the souls of the Faithful,
through the mercy of God, rest in
peace.
Answer. Amen.
^ unless Compline follow, the
Lords Prayer inaudibly :
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Note. When Office is said in Choir,
the service is ended with the Antiphon
of the Blessed Virgin Mary every time
the Choir is left. Otherwise it is only
said as given in this book, after Lauds,
(or the aggregation of which Lauds
forms a part} and Compline. When
ever it is said, except after Compline, it
is preceded by:
Verse. *J The Lord give us His
peace.
Answer. And life everlasting.
Amen.
Ij the Office of the Dead follow im
mediately, the above prayer for the
Faithful departed, and the " Our Fa
ther," are omitted.
Feasts. The above Office, appointed
for Sunday, is also, speaking in a gen
eral sense, used on all Feasts above the
rank of. Simples.
1 Ps. xcv. 10, old version.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
I8 5
JHontrag.
THE SECOND DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows ;
Antiphon. The Lord hath in
clined.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon
is said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXIV.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. prefix "Al
leluia."]
AM well pleased, because the
-*- LORD hath heard * the voice
of my supplication :
Because He hath inclined His ear
unto me, * therefore will I call upon
Him all my days.
The sorrows of death compassed
me : * and the straits of hell found
me :
Sorrow and trouble did I find.
* Then called I upon the name of
the LORD :
LORD, deliver my soul. * Gra
cious is the LORD, and righteous :
yea, our God is merciful.
The LORD preserveth the simple :
* I was brought low and He helped
me.
Return unto thy rest, O my soul :
* for the LORD hath dealt bountifully
with thee.
For He hath delivered my soul
from death, * mine eyes from tears,
and my feet from falling.
1 will walk before the LORD * in
the land of the living.
Antiphon. iThe Lord hath in
clined His ear unto me.
Second Antiphon. I believed.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, " Therefore have
I spoken."
Psalm CXV.
[In the Hebrew this Psalm is a continua
tion of the last. The Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix "Alleluia."]
T BELIEVED, therefore have I
1 spoken : * but I was greatly
afflicted.
I said in my haste : * All men
are liars.
What shall I render unto the
LORD * for all His benefits toward
me?
I will take the cup of salvation,
* and call upon the name of the
LORD.
I will pay my vows unto the LORD
in the presence of all His people.
* Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of His Saints.
LORD, truly I am Thy servant :
* I am Thy servant, and the son of
Thine handmaid :
Thou hast loosed my bonds. * I
will offer to Thee the sacrifice of
thanksgiving, and will call upon the
name of the LORD.
1 will pay my vows unto the LORD,
in the presence of all His people : *
in the courts of the LORD S house, in
the midst of thee, O Jerusalem !
[Here the Hebrew appends "Alle
luia," which the Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix to the next Psalm.]
Antiphon. I believed, therefore
have I spoken.
Third Antiphon. O praise.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, " The LORD."
1 Ps. cxiv. 2.
1 86
THE PSALTER.
Psalm CXVI.
O PRAISE the LORD, all ye
nations : * praise Him, all
ye people.
For His merciful kindness is great
toward us : * and the truth of the
LORD endureth for ever.
[Here the Hebrew appends " Alle
luia," which the Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix to the next Psalm.]
Antiphon. O praise the LORD,
all ye nations.
Fourth Antiphon, I cried.
Psalm CXIX.
[This is the first of the "Songs of De
grees," or "Gradual Psalms." See note
to Ps. cxxix., p. 91.]
TN my distress I cried unto the
^ LORD, * and He heard me.
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from
lying lips, * and from a deceitful
tongue.
What shall be given unto thee, or
what shall be done unto thee, * thou
false tongue?
Sharp arrows of the mighty, * with
hot burning coals.
Woe is me ! that my sojourn is
long : I dwell with the dwellers of
Kedar. 1 * My soul hath long dwelt
as an exile
With them that hate peace. I
was peaceable : * when I spoke
unto them, they fought against me
without a cause.
Antiphon. 2 I cried, and He heard
me.
Fifth Antiphon. From whence
cometh.
Psalm CXX.
[Also a Song of Degrees.]
I WILL lift up mine eyes unto the
hills, * from whence cometh
mine help.
Mine help cometh from the LORD,
* Who made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy feet to be
moved : * He That keepeth thee
will not slumber.
Behold, He That keepeth Israel
shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper : the
LORD is thy shade * upon thy right
hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by
day, * nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall keep thee from
all evil : * the Lord shall keep thy
soul.
The LORD shall keep thy coming
in and thy going out, * from this
time forth and for evermore.
Antiphon. 3 From whence cometh
mine help.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
HYMN. 4
LORD of unbounded space,
Who, lest the sky and main
Should mix, and heaven should lose its
place,
Didst the rude waters chain ;
Parting the moist and rare,
That rills on earth might flow
To soothe the angry flame, whene er
It ravens from below ;
Pour on us of Thy grace
The everlasting spring,
Lest our frail steps renew the trace
Of the ancient wandering.
1 Properly "Black-skin." This was the name of a son of Ishmael, and of an Arabian
tribe sprung from him. 2 Ps. cxix. I. 3 Ps. cxx. I.
4 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, almost unchanged ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
I8 7
May faith in lustre grow,
And rear her star in heaven,
Paling all sparks of earth below
Unquenched by damps of even.
Grant it, O Father, Son,
And Holy Spirit of grace,
To Whom be glory, Three in One,
In every time and place.
Amen.
Antiphonfor the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. My soul doth magnify the
Lord, * for God hath regarded my
lowliness.
After the repetition of the Antiphon
after the So?ig of the Blessed Virgin, on
the Week-days of Advent and Lent, the
Ember Days, and all Vigils which are
Fasts, except Christmas Eve and the
Eve and Ember Days of Pentecost, all
kneel down, and the following prayers,
called the Preces, are said:
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Then the Lord s Prayer is said aloud.
Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into tempta
tion.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Verse. I said : LORD, be merci
ful unto me.
Answer. Heal my soul, for I
have sinned against Thee.
Verse. Return, O LORD, how
long?
Answer. And let it repent Thee
concerning Thy servants.
Verse. Let Thy mercy, O LORD,
be upon us.
Answer. According as we hope
in Thee.
Verse. Let Thy priests be clothed
with righteousness.
Answer. And let Thy Saints
shout for joy.
Verse. O LORD, save the King.
Answer. And hear us in the day
when we call upon Thee.
Verse. O Lord, save Thy people,
and bless Thine inheritance.
Ansiver. And govern them, and
lift them up for ever.
Verse. Remember Thy congre
gation.
Answer. Which Thou hast pur
chased of old.
Verse. Peace be within thy
walls.
Answer. And prosperity within
thy palaces.
Verse. Let us pray for the Faith
ful departed.
Answer. O Lord, grant them
eternal rest, and let the everlasting
light shine upon them.
Verse. May they rest in peace.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Let us pray for our absent
brethren.
Answer. O Thou, my God, save
Thy servants that trust in Thee.
Verse. Let us pray for the sorrow
ful and the captive.
Answer. Redeem them, O God
of Israel, out of all their troubles.
Verse. O Lord, send them help
from the sanctuary.
Answer. And strengthen them
out of Zion.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O
LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
i88
THE PSALTER.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, O God,
&c, (/. 87).
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
Verse. Turn us again, O LORD
God of Hosts.
Answer. And cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Verse. Arise, O Christ, and help
us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Here follows the Prayer of the Day.
All proceeds to the end of the service as
on Sunday, except that when Suffrages
are said, the following is said before the
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.
Commemoration of the Cross.
(Omitted in the Offices of the Blessed
Sacrament, and of the Passion.}
Antiphon. Through Thy Cross s
holy sign, JESUS, guard this soul of
mine, from my ghostly enemy.
Verse. Let all the earth worship
Thee, and sing unto Thee.
Answer. Let them sing praises to
Thy name, O Lord.
Let us pray.
LORD, we beseech Thee, keep
us in continual peace, whom
Thou hast vouchsafed to redeem by
the tree of the Holy Cross.
Simple Feasts. If the Vespers of a
Simple Feast be kept on a Monday, the
Office is of the Feast, from the Chapter
inclusive.
THE THIRD DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Let us go.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXXI.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees, of David."]
T WAS glad when they said unto
* me : * Let us go into the house
of the LORD.
Our feet have been wont to stand
* within thy gates, O Jerusalem !
Jerusalem is builded as a city *
that is compact together :
Whither the tribes go up, the
tribes of the LORD, * the testimony
of Israel, to give thanks unto the
name of the LORD.
For there are set thrones for judg
ment, * the thrones for the house of
David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem :
* they shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls, * and
prosperity within thy palaces.
For my brethren and companions
sakes, * I will now say Peace be
within thee !
Because of the house of the LORD
our God, * I will seek thy good.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
189
Antiphon. Let us go with glad
ness into the house of the LORD.
Second Antiphon. O Thou That
dwellest.
Psalm CXXII.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees."]
UNTO Thee lift I up mine eyes,
* O Thou That dwellest in
the heavens !
Behold, as the eyes of servants *
look unto the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maiden unto
the hand of her mistress : * so
our eyes look unto the LORD our
God, until that He have mercy
on us.
Have mercy upon us, O LORD,
have mercy upon us : * for we are
exceedingly filled with contempt.
Our soul is exceedingly filled
* with the scorning of those that
are at ease, and with the con
tempt of the proud.
Antiphon. O Thou That dwell
est in the heavens, have mercy
upon us.
Third Antiphon. Our help.
Psalm CXXIII.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees," to which
the Hebrew and the Targum add "of
David," but this ascription of authorship
does not occur in the Vulgate or the LXX.]
TF it had not been the LORD
-* Who was on our side now
may Israel say * if it had not
been the LORD Who was on our
side,
When men rose up against us :
* then they had swallowed us up
quick,
When their wrath was kindled
against us : * then the waters had
overwhelmed us,
The stream had gone over our
soul : * then the overwhelming
waters had gone over our soul.
Blessed be the LORD, * Who hath
not given us as a prey to their teeth.
Our soul is escaped as a bird *
out of the snare of the fowlers :
The snare is broken, * and we
are escaped.
Our help is in the name of the
LORD, * Who made heaven and
earth.
Antiphon. 1 Our help is in the
name of the LORD.
Fourth Antiphon. Do good, O
LORD.
Psalm CXXIV.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees."]
that trust in the LORD
shall be as Mount Zion : *
he that dwelleth in Jerusalem
shall never be moved.
The mountains are round about
Jerusalem : * and the LORD is
round about His people, from
henceforth, and for ever.
For the Lord will not suffer
the rod of the wicked to rest upon
the lot of the righteous : * lest
the righteous put forth their hands
unto iniquity.
Do good, O LORD, to the good,
* and to them that are upright in
their hearts.
As for such as turn aside unto
their crooked ways, the LORD
shall lead them forth with the
workers of iniquity : * peace be
upon Israel !
Antiphon. Do good, O LORD,
190
THE PSALTER.
to the good, and to them that are
upright in their hearts.
Fifth Antiphon. We were like.
Psalm CXXV.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees."]
1 \ 7"HEN the LORD turned again
* * the captivity of Zion, * we
were like them that come again
from sickness.
Then was our mouth filled with
laughter, * and our tongue with
singing.
Then said they among the hea
then : * The LORD hath done great
things for them.
The LORD hath done great things
for us : * whereof we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O
LORD, * as the streams in the
south.
They that sow in tears * shall
reap in joy.
They go forth weeping, * sow
ing their seed ;
They shall doubtless come again
with rejoicing, * bringing their
sheaves with them.
Antiphon. We were like them
that come again from sickness.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
HYMN. 1
ALL-BOUNTIFUL Creator, Who,
When Thou didst mould the
world, didst drain
The waters from the mass, that so
Earth might immovable remain ;
That its dull clods it might transmute
To golden flowers in vale or wood,
To juice of thirst-allaying fruit,
And grateful herbage spread for food ;
Wash Thou our smarting wounds and
hot,
In the cool freshness of Thy grace ;
Till tears start forth the past to blot,
And cleanse and calm Thy holy place,
Till we obey Thy full behest,
Shun the world s tainted touch and
breath,
Joy in what highest is and best,
And gain a spell to baffle death.
Grant it, O Father, Only Son,
And Holy Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all glory, Three in One,
Be given in every time and place.
Amen.
Antiphon for the Song of the
Blessed Virgin. Let my spirit re
joice * in God my Saviour.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other general Commemorations, and
Long Preces at certain times as on
Monday.
Simple Feasts. If the Vespers of a
Simple Feast be kept on a Tuesday, the
Office is of the Feast from the Chapter
inclusive.
THE FOURTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. He shall not be
ashamed.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon
is said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXXV1.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees, of Solo
mon." The LXX. omits the ascription to
Solomon.]
I7XCEPT the LORD build the
*-* house, * they labour in vain
that build it :
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, hardly altered ; translation by the late Card. Newman.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
Except the LORD keep the city,
* the watchman waketh but in
vain.
It is vain for you to rise up
early, * rise up when ye are
rested, ye that eat the bread of
sorrow :
For He giveth His beloved sleep.
Lo, children are an heritage of the
LORD, * the fruit of the womb is His
reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a
mighty man, * so are the children
of the out-cast.
Happy is the man that hath his
desire satisfied with them : * he shall
not be ashamed when he speaketh
with his enemies in the gate.
Antiphon. He shall not be a-
shamed when he speaketh with his
enemies in the gate.
Second Antiphon, Blessed.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
commences with the words , " Is every
one."
Psalm CXXVII.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees."]
BLESSED is every one that feareth
the LORD, * that walketh in
His ways.
For thou shalt eat the labour of
thine hands : * happy shalt thou be
and it shall be well with thee.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine
* on the sides of thine house :
Thy children like olive plants *
round about thy table.
Behold, that thus shall the man
be blessed * that feareth the
LORD.
The LORD bless thee out of
Zion : * and mayest thou see the
good of Jerusalem all the days of
thy life.
Yea, mayest thou see thy chil
dren s children, * and peace upon
Israel.
Antiphon. Blessed is every one
that feareth the LORD.
Third Antiphon. Many a time.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Have they
afflicted me."
Psalm CXXVII I.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees."]
l\/r ANY a time have they warred
*** against me from my youth
* may Israel now say :
Many a time have they warred
against me from my youth : * yet
they have not prevailed against
me.
1 The ploughers ploughed upon
my back : * they made long their
furrows.
The LORD is righteous, He hath
broken the necks of the wicked. *
Let them all be confounded and
turned back that hate Zion.
Let them be as the grass upon
the house - tops, * which withereth
before it is plucked up :
Wherewith the mower filleth not
his hand, * nor he that bindeth
sheaves his bosom.
Neither do they that go by say :
The blessing of the LORD be upon
you ! * we bless you in the name of
the LORD !
Antiphon. Many a time have they
afflicted me from my youth up.
1 I.e., "They furrowed my back with stripes as the ground is furrowed with the
plough. " Gesenius.
THE PSALTER.
Fourth Antiphon.
depths.
Out of the
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Have I cried
unto Thee."
Psalm CXXIX.
OUT of the depths have I cried
unto Thee, O LORD ! * Lord,
hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive * to
the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, LORD, shouldest mark
iniquities, * O Lord, who shall
stand ?
But there is forgiveness with Thee :
* because of Thy law, I wait for
Thee, O LORD!
My soul doth wait on His word :
* my soul hopeth in the Lord.
From the morning watch even
until night * let Israel hope in the
LORD :
For with the LORD there is mercy,
* and with Him is plenteous redemp
tion.
And He shall redeem Israel, *
from all his iniquities.
Antiphon. Out of the depths have
I cried unto Thee, O LORD.
Fifth Antiphon. Let Israel hope.
Psalm CXXX.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees," to which
the Hebrew and the Vulgate, but not the
Targum or the LXX., add "of David."]
LORD, mine heart is not haughty,
* nor mine eyes lofty :
Neither do I exercise myself in
great matters, * or in wonderful
things that are above me.
If I have not thought lowly of
myself * (but lifted up my soul)
Even as a child that is weaned
from his mother : * so be my soul
rewarded.
Let Israel hope in the LORD, *
from henceforth and for ever.
Antiphon. Let Israel hope in the
LORD.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
HYMN. 1
OLORD, Who throned in the holy
height,
Through plains of ether didst diffuse
The dazzling beams of light,
In soft transparent hues ;
Who didst, on the fourth day, in
heaven,
Light the fierce cresset of the sun,
And the meek moon at even,
And stars that wildly run ;
That they might mark and arbitrate
Twixt alternating night and day,
And tend the train sedate
Of months upon their way ;
Clear, Lord, the brooding night within,
And clean these hearts for Thy abode,
Unlock the spell of sin,
Crumble its giant load.
Grant it, O Father, Only Son,
And Holy Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all praise be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Antiphon at the Song of the
Blessed Virgin. The Lord hath
regarded * my lowliness, and He
That is mighty hath done in me
great things.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other general Commemorations, and
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, somewhat altered ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
193
Long Preces in Advent and Lent, and
on Fast- days, as on Monday.
Simple Feasts. If the Vespers of a
Simple Feast be kept on a Wednesday,
the Office is of the Feast from the Chap
ter inclusive.
THE FIFTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
, The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. And all.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon
is said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXXXI.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees." It
reads like a Processional for some transla
tion of the Sacred Ark, perhaps that de
scribed in 3 (i) Kings vii. (Saturday before
8th Sunday after Pentecost.)]
ORD, remember David, * and
"* all his meekness :
How he sware unto the LORD : *
he vowed a vow unto the God of
Jacob ;
Surely I will not come into the
tabernacle of mine house, * nor go
up into my bed ;
I will not give sleep to mine eyes,
* or slumber to mine eyelids ;
I will not give the temples of
mine head any rest, until I find out
a place for the LORD, * an habita
tion for the God of Jacob.
1 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah :
* we found it in the fields of " the
Wood."
We will go into His tabernacle :
* we will worship in His footprints.
Arise, O LORD, into Thy rest,
Thou and the ark of Thine
holiness.
Let Thy priests be clothed with
righteousness, * and let Thy Saints
shout for joy.
For Thy servant David s sake,
* turn not away the face of Thine
Anointed.
The LORD hath sworn in truth
unto David, and He will not turn
from it : * Of the fruit of thy body
will I set upon thy throne.
If thy children will keep My
covenant, * and My testimony
that I shall teach them,
Then their children for ever *
shall sit upon thy throne.
For the LORD hath chosen Zion :
* He hath chosen it for His habita
tion.
This is My rest for ever : * here
will I dwell, for I have chosen it.
I will abundantly bless her
widows : n I will satisfy her poor
with bread.
I will clothe her Priests with
salvation : * and her Saints shall
shout aloud for joy.
There will I make the horn of
David to bud : * I have ordained
a lamp for Mine Anointed.
His enemies will I clothe with
shame : * but upon him shall My
sanctification flourish.
Antiphon. And all his meekness.
Second Antiphon. Behold.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " How good and
how pleasant."
1 This verse relates to the fetching of the ark from Kirjath-jearim, (literally "The
town-of- the- woods,") which stood at the borders of the territory of Ephraim, here called
Ephratah. See 2 Kings (Sam.) vi. (Thursday, 5th week after Pentecost.)
VOL. III. O
194
THE PSALTER.
Psalm CXXXII.
[Intituled " A Song of Degrees," to which
the Hebrew and the Vulgate, but not the
Targum or the LXX., add "of David."]
BEHOLD, how good and how
pleasant it is * for brethren
to dwell together in unity.
1 It is like the precious oint
ment upon the head, * that ran
down upon the beard, even Aaron s
beard,
That went down to the skirts
of his garments. * As the dew of
Hermon, that descendeth upon
the mountains of Zion ; 2
For there the LORD commanded
the blessing, * even life for evermore.
Antiphon. Behold, how good
and how pleasant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity.
Third Antiphon. Whatsoever.
Psalm CXXXIV.
[To this Psalm is prefixed "Alleluia."]
PRAISE ye the Name of the
LORD, * praise Him, O ye
servants of the LORD !
Ye that stand in the house of
the LORD, * in the courts of the
house of our God :
Praise the LORD, for the LORD
is good : * sing praises unto His
Name, for it is pleasant.
For the LORD hath chosen Jacob
unto Himself, and Israel for
His peculiar treasure.
For I know that the LORD is
great, * and that our Lord is above
all gods.
Whatsoever the LORD pleased,
that did He in heaven and in
earth, * in the seas, and all deep
places :
Causing the vapours to ascend
from the ends of the earth : *
He maketh lightnings for the rain ;
He bringeth the wind out of
His treasures. * He smote the
first-born of Egypt, from man even
unto beast.
He sent tokens and wonders
into the midst of thee, O Egypt,
* upon Pharaoh and upon all his
servants.
He smote great nations, * and
slew mighty kings.
3 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, king of Bashan, * and
all the kingdoms of Canaan.
And gave their land for an
heritage, * an heritage unto Israel
His people.
Thy Name, O LORD, endureth for
ever ! * Thy memorial, O LORD,
throughout all generations !
For the LORD will judge His
people, * and will repent Himself
concerning His servants.
The idols of the heathen are
silver and gold, * the work of
men s hands.
A mouth have they, but they
speak not : * eyes have they, but
they see not.
Ears have they, but they hear
not : * neither is there any breath
in their mouths.
Let them that make them be
made like unto them, * and every
one that trusteth in them.
1 The reference is to the unction of Aaron with holy chrism at his consecration,
described in Lev. viii. 12.
2 Probably not the mountain at Jerusalem, but one of the chain of Hermon, which is
once mentioned elsewhere. Deut. iv. 48.
3 Sihon, a king of the Amorites, reigning in Heshbon ; Og, a giant, king of Bashan.
They were both defeated and slain by the Israelites. Num. xxi.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
195
Bless the LORD, O house of
Israel ! * bless the LORD, O house
of Aaron !
Bless the LORD, O house of
Levi ! * ye that fear the LORD,
bless the LORD !
Blessed be the LORD out of
Zion, * Which dwelleth at Jeru
salem !
[The Hebrew adds "Alleluia/" which
the Vulgate places at the beginning of
the next Psalm.]
Antiphon. Whatsoever the LORD
pleased, that did He.
Fourth Antiphon. For His
mercy.
Psalm CXXXV.
[It is not improbable that this Psalm was
sung at the Dedication of the Temple, for,
in 2 Par. (Chron.) vii. 3, it is said that when
the congregation on that occasion saw the
fire miraculously descending upon the sac
rifice, "they bowed themselves with their
faces to the ground upon the pavement, and
worshipped, and praised the LORD, for He
is good, for His mercy endureth for ever. "
It looks very like a continuation of the song
given by David to certain singers, I Par.
(Chron.) xvi. 7, especially as it is afterwards
said that some of them were chosen "to give
thanks to the LORD, because His mercy
endureth for ever." Some consider that
the latter verses refer to the return from the
captivity, but these may be an addition.]
OGIVE thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good ! * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of
gods ! * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of
lords ! * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
To Him Who Alone doeth great
wonders * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
To Him That by wisdom made the
VOL. III.
heavens * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
To Him That spread out the
earth above the waters * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
To Him That made great lights
* for His mercy endureth for
ever.
The sun to rule by day * for
His mercy endureth for ever.
The moon and stars to rule by
night * for His mercy endureth for
ever.
To Him That smote Egypt in their
first-born * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
To Him That brought out Israel
from among them * for His mercy
endureth for ever.
With a strong hand and with a
stretched out arm * for His mercy
endureth for ever.
To Him That divided the Red
Sea into parts * for His mercy
endureth for ever.
And made Israel to pass through
the midst of it * for His mercy
endureth for ever.
But overthrew Pharaoh and his
host in the Red Sea * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
To Him That led His people
through the wilderness * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
To Him That smote great kings
* for His mercy endureth for
ever.
And slew mighty kings * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
Sihon, king of the Amorites
* for His mercy endureth for
ever.
And Og, the king of Bashan
* for His mercy endureth for
ever.
And gave their land for an heri-
G 2
THE PSALTER.
tage * for His mercy endureth for
ever.
Even an heritage unto Israel His
servant * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
Who remembered us in our low
estate * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
And hath redeemed us from our
enemies * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
Who giveth food to all flesh
* for His mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of
heaven ! * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
O give thanks unto the Lord of
lords ! * for His mercy endureth for
ever.
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, * let
my right hand forget her cunning
Let my tongue cleave to the roof
of my mouth, * if I do not remember
thee,
If I prefer not Jerusalem * above
my chief joy.
Remember, O LORD, the chil
dren of Edom, * in the day of
Jerusalem :
Who said : Rase it, rase it * even
to the foundation thereof.
O daughter of Babylon, doomed
to destruction, * happy shall he be
that rewardeth thee, as thou hast
served us !
Happy shall he be that taketh, *
and dasheth thy little ones against
the rock.
Antiphon. For His mercy en
dureth for ever.
Fifth Antiphon. Sing us one of
the songs.
Antiphon. Sing us one of the
songs of Zion.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Psalm CXXXVI.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. connect this
Psalm with the name of Jeremiah. They
also style it a Psalm of David, the apparent
meaning of which would seem to be that it
was composed in imitation of his poems.]
T) Y the rivers of Babylon, there we
U sat down, yea, we wept, * when
we remembered Zion.
We hung our harps upon the
willows * in the midst thereof.
For there they that carried us
away captive required of us " a
song;
And they that had taken us
said : * Sing us one of the songs
of Zion.
How shall we sing the LORD S
song * in a strange land?
HYMN. 1
OGOD, Who hast given
The sea and the sky,
To fish and to bird
For a dwelling to keep,
Both sons of the waters
One low and one high,
Ambitious of heaven,
Or sunk in the deep ;
Save, Lord, Thy servants,
Whom Thou hast new made
In a laver of blood
Lest they trespass and die ;
Lest pride should elate,
Or sin should degrade,
And they stumble on earth
Or be dizzied on high.
To the Father, and Son,
And the Spirit be done,
Now and always,
Glorv and Praise. Amen.
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, slightly altered ; translation by the late Card!
Newman.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
197
Antipkon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. O God, * show strength with
Thine arm : put down the mighty,
and exalt them of low degree.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other general Commemorations and
Long Preces in Advent and Lent, and
on Fast- days, as on Monday.
JFrtliag,
THE SIXTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Behold the Angels.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXXXVII.
[Intituled "Of David," to which the
LXX. adds "of Haggai and Zechariah,"
the meaning apparently being that it was
his composition, but that they made some
special regulation as to its use.]
T WILL praise Thee, O Lord, with
-* my whole heart : * because
Thou hast heard the words of my
mouth.
Before the Angels will I sing
praise unto Thee. * I will worship
toward Thine holy temple, and
praise Thy Name.
For Thy loving-kindness, and for
Thy truth : * for Thou hast mag
nified Thine holy Name above
every name.
In whatsoever day I call upon
Thee, answer me : * Thou wilt
strengthen my soul exceedingly.
Let all the kings of the earth
praise Thee, O LORD, * for they
have heard all the words of Thy
mouth.
Yea, let them sing of the ways of
the LORD : * that great is the glory
of the LORD.
For the LORD is high, yet hath
He respect unto the lowly : * but
the proud He knoweth from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of
trouble Thou wilt revive me : *
Thou shalt stretch forth Thine hand
against the wrath of mine enemies,
and Thy right hand shall save me.
The LORD will give recompense
on my behalf: * Thy mercy, O
LORD, endureth for ever : forsake
not the works of Thine own hands.
Antiphon. Before the Angels
will I sing praise unto Thee, O
my God.
Second Antiphon. O LORD.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
commences with the words, " Thou hast
searched me."
Psalm CXXXVII I.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
musical (?) direction, the meaning of which
is not now certain.]
C\ LORD, Thou hast searched
^-^ me, and known me : * Thou
knowest my down-sitting and mine
up-rising :
Thou understandest my thoughts
afar off. * Thou searchest my path,
and my line,
And art acquainted with all my
ways : * before there is a word on
my tongue.
Lo, O LORD, Thou knowest all
things both new and old : * Thou
hast made me, and laid Thine hand
upon me.
198
THE PSALTER.
Such knowledge is too wonderful
for me : * it is high, and I cannot
attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from Thy
Spirit? * or whither shall I flee
from Thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, Thou
are there : * if I go down into hell,
Thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morn
ing, * and dwell in the uttermost
parts of the sea;
Even there shall Thine hand lead
me, * and Thy right hand shall hold
me.
If I say : Surely the darkness
shall cover me : * even the night
shall be light about me in my
pleasures.
For the darkness is not darkness
to Thee : and the night shineth as
the day : * the darkness and the
light to Thee are both alike.
For Thou didst form my reins :
* Thou hast upholden me from
my mother s womb.
I will praise Thee, for Thy great
ness is terrible : * marvellous are
Thy works : and that my soul
knoweth right well.
My bones were not hid from
Thee, when Thou madest me in
secret : * nor my substance in the
lower parts of the earth.
Thine eyes beheld my substance
yet being imperfect : and in Thy
book all were written : * day by day
were they to be fashioned, when as
yet there was none of them.
But to me, O God, Thy friends
are exceeding honourable : * their
power is waxen right strong.
If I should count them, they are
more in number than the sand : * I
arose, and am still with Thee.
Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked,
O God : * depart from me, ye bloody
men.
For ye say in thought : * In
vain shall Thy people take Thy
cities.
Do not I hate them, O LORD,
that hate Thee? * and am not I
grieved at those that rise up against
Thee ?
I hate them with perfect hatred :
* they are to me as enemies.
Search me, O God, and know
mine heart : * try me and know my
thoughts.
And see if there be any wicked
way in me : * and lead me in the
way everlasting.
Antiphon. O LORD, Thou hast
searched me and known me.
Third Antiphon. Preserve me.
Psalm CXXXIX.
[Intitnled "A Psalm of David," with the
same musical (?) direction as before.]
DELIVER me, O LORD, from
the evil man : * preserve me
from the wicked man :
Which imagine mischiefs in their
heart : * continually are they gath
ered together for war.
They have sharpened their tongues
like a serpent : * adders poison is
under their lips. 1
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands
of the wicked : * and preserve me
from the evil man :
Who purpose to overthrow my
goings. * The proud have hid a
snare for me :
And spread a net with cords : *
by the way-side have they set a trap
for me. 1
1 SLH.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
199
I said unto the LORD : Thou art
my God : * hear the voice of my
supplication, O LORD !
LORD, my Lord, Thou Strength
of my salvation, * Thou hast covered
mine head in the day of battle !
Give me not up, O LORD, to the
desires of the wicked : * they take
counsel together against me : forsake
me not, lest they exalt themselves. 1
As for the head of those that
compass me about, * let the mis
chief of their own lips cover them.
Let burning coals fall upon them ;
let them be cast into the fire : * when
they are in trouble they will not be
able to stand.
An evil-speaker shall not prosper
in the earth : * evil shall hunt the
wicked man, to overthrow him.
1 know that the LORD will main
tain the cause of the afflicted, * and
will revenge the poor.
Surely the righteous shall give
thanks unto Thy Name ; * and the
upright shall dwell in Thy presence.
Antiphon. Preserve me, O Lord,
from the wicked man.
Fourth Antiphon. LORD.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " I cry unto
Thee."
Psalm CXL.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David."]
T ORD, I cry unto Thee: hear
me ! * give ear unto my voice
when I cry unto Thee.
1 SLH.
2 The Targum is, "They are torn away from the house of instruction by the strong
hands of their judges." The Syriac, "And their judges are crushed by the strong hand."
Messrs Jennings and Lowe render, "When their judges have been thrown down the sides
of the rock, then they shall hear my words as welcome;" and continue, "When the
usurping rulers have been deposed, and the disappointed rabble has executed its ven
geance on them, it shall bethink it again of David s divinely constituted authority, and
gladly recall him to the throne. This is the only rational interpretation of the verse.
For the mode of punishment mentioned, cf. 2. Chron. xxv. 12, Luke iv. 29."
Let my prayer be set forth as in
cense before Thee : * the lifting-up
of mine hands as the evening sacri
fice.
Set a watch, O LORD, before my
mouth : * keep the door of my lips.
Incline not mine heart to any evil
word, * to excuse myself in my sins,
With men that work wickedness ;
* and let me not eat of their dainties.
Let the righteous smite me in
kindness : and let him reprove me :
* but the oil of the wicked shall not
anoint mine head :
For yet my prayer shall be against
their lusts. * 2 Their judges shall
be left [to their fate beside] in the
hands of the rock :
[And] they [that have wreaked
their vengeance on them] shall hear
my words, that they are mighty. *
Like clods of earth broken by the
ploughman,
So are our bones scattered at the
grave s mouth. * But mine eyes are
unto Thee, O LORD, my Lord : in
Thee is my trust, leave not my life
to destruction.
Keep me from the snare which
they have laid for me, * and the gins
of the workers of iniquity.
The wicked shall fall into their
own net ; * as for me, I dwell alone,
until I depart hence.
Antiphon. LORD, I cry unto Thee,
hear me.
Fifth Antiphon. O Lord, let my
portion.
200
THE PSALTER.
Psalm CXLI.
[Intituled " A didactic (?) Psalm of David.
A Prayer when he was in the cave," namely,
on the same occasion as that on which he
wrote Psalm Ivi. See note on that Psalm,
p. no.]
I CRIED unto the LORD with my
voice : * with my voice unto
the LORD did I make supplication.
I pour out my complaint before
Him : * before Him also I show my
trouble.
When my spirit faileth from me,
* then Thou knewest my path.
In the way wherein I walked *
have they privily laid a snare for me.
I looked on the right hand, and
beheld : * but there was no man
that would know me :
Refuge failed me : * and no man
cared for my soul.
I cried unto Thee, O LORD ! * I
said : Thou art my refuge, and my
portion in the land of the living.
Attend unto my cry, * for I am
brought very low :
Deliver me from my persecutors :
* for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison, that
I may praise Thy Name : * the
righteous wait for me, till Thou deal
bountifully with me.
Antiphon. O Lord, let my por
tion be in the land of the living.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
HYMN. 1
WHOM all obey,
Maker of man ! Who from Thy
height
Badest the dull earth bring to light
All creeping things, and the fierce might
Of beasts of prey ;
And the huge make
Of wild or gentler animal.
Springing from nothing at Thy call,
To serve in their due time, and all
For sinners sake ;
Shield us from ill !
Come it by passion s sudden stress,
Lurk in our mind s habitual dress,
Or through our actions seek to press
Upon our will.
Vouchsafe the prize
Of sacred joy s perpetual mood,
And service-seeking gratitude,
And love to quell each strife or feud,
If it arise.
Grant it, O Lord !
To Whom, the Father, Only Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
In heaven and earth all praise be done
With one accord.
Amen.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. He hath put down the
mighty, * that persecute His Saints :
and hath exalted them of low degree,
that confess His Christ.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other general Commemorations , and
Long Preces in Advent and Lent, and
on Fast- days, as on Monday.
Simple Feasts. If the Vespers of a
Simple Feast be kept on a Friday, the
service is of the Feast from the Chapter
inclusive.
Saturfcag*
THE SABBATH.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Blessed.
. J Hymn of the Ambrosian school, considerably altered ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
201
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Be the LORD
my God."
/;/ Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXLIII.
[Intituled " Of David. " The Vulgate and
the LXX. add "against Goliath."]
T3LESSED be the LORD my God,
*-* Which teacheth mine hands
to war, * and my fingers to fight.
My goodness, and my fortress : *
my strength, and my Deliverer :
My shield, and He in Whom I
trust : * Who subdueth my people
under me.
LORD, what is man, that Thou
takest knowledge of him ? * or the
son of man, that Thou makest ac
count of him ?
Man is like to vanity : * his days
are as a shadow that passeth away.
Bow Thy heavens, O LORD, and
come down : * touch the mountains,
and they shall smoke.
Cast forth the bright lightning,
and scatter them : * send out
Thine arrows, and make them to
quake.
Send Thine hand from above :
rid me, and deliver me out of great
waters, * from the hand of strange
children :
Whose mouth speaketh vanity : *
and their right hand is a right hand
of falsehood.
I will sing a new song unto Thee,
O God ; * upon a psaltery of ten
strings will I sing praises unto
Thee :
Who hast given salvation unto
kings : * Who deliveredst David
Thy servant from the hurtful sword.
Rid me,
And deliver me from the hand
of strange children, whose mouth
speaketh vanity : * and their right
hand is a right hand of falsehood :
Whose sons may be as saplings
grown up * in their youth ;
Their daughters decked out, *
adorned after the similitude of the
temple :
Their garners full, * affording
stores upon store :
Their sheep fruitful in young,
countless in their pastures : * their
oxen fat :
There is no breach in their walls,
nor inroad : * nor wailing in their
streets.
Happy is that people, that is in
such a case : * happy is that people
whose God is the Lord.
Antiphon. Blessed be the LORD
my God.
Second Antiphon. Every day.
Psalm CXLIV.
[Intituled " David s song of praise." It is
ABC Darian.]
I WILL extol Thee, my God, O
King ! * and I will bless Thy
name for ever and ever.
Every day will I bless Thee; *
and I will praise Thy name for ever
and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to
be praised : * and His greatness is
unsearchable.
One generation shall praise Thy
works to another, * and shall declare
Thy mighty acts.
They shall speak of the glorious
honour of Thy Majesty, * and tell of
Thy wondrous works.
And men shall speak of the might
of Thy terrible acts, * and declare
Thy greatness.
202
THE PSALTER.
They shall abundantly utter the
record of Thy great goodness, *
and shall sing of Thy righteous
ness.
The LORD is gracious and full of
compassion : * slow to anger and of
great mercy.
The LORD is good to all, * and
His tender mercies are over all His
works.
May all Thy works praise Thee,
O LORD ! * and let Thy saints bless
Thee !
They shall speak of the glory of
Thy kingdom, * and talk of Thy
power ;
To make known to the sons of
men Thy mighty acts, * and the
glorious majesty of Thy king
dom.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting
kingdom, * and Thy dominion
endureth throughout all genera
tions !
The Lord is faithful in all His
words, * and holy in all His
works.
The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
* and raiseth up all those that be
bowed down.
The eyes of all wait upon Thee,
O Lord ! * and Thou givest them
their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thine hand, * and
fillest all things living with plenteous-
ness.
The LORD is righteous in all
His ways, * and holy in all His
works.
The LORD is nigh unto all them
that call upon Him, * to all that call
upon Him in truth.
He will fulfil the desire of them
that fear Him : * He also will hear
their cry and will save them.
The LORD preserveth all them
that love Him, * but all the wicked
will He destroy.
My mouth shall speak the praise
of the LORD ; * and let all flesh
bless His holy Name for ever and
ever.
Antiphon. Every day will I bless
Thee, O Lord.
Third Antiphon. While I live.
Psalm CXLV.
[To this Psalm is prefixed "Alleluia."
The Vulgate and the LXX. connect it with
the names of Haggai and Zechariah.]
the LORD, O my soul;
while I live will I praise the
LORD : * I will sing praises unto my;
God while I have being.
Put not your trust in princes, *
in the son of man, in whom is no
help.
His breath goeth forth, and he
returneth to his earth : * in that
very day their thoughts perish.
Happy is he that hath the God
of Jacob for his help, his hope is
in the LORD his God : * Who made
heaven and earth, the sea, and all
that therein is :
Who keepeth truth for ever.
Who executeth judgment for the
oppressed : * Who giveth food to
the hungry.
The LORD looseth the prisoners :
* the LORD openeth the eyes of the
blind :
The LORD raiseth them that are
bowed down : * the LORD loveth
the righteous :
The LORD preserveth the stran
gers ; He defendeth the fatherless
and widow : * but the way of the
wicked He will turn aside.
The LORD shall reign for ever !
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
203
even thy God, O Zion, * unto all
generations !
[The Hebrew adds " Alleluia," which
the Vulgate and the LXX. prefix to the
next Psalm.]
Antiphon. While I live will I
praise the LORD.
Fourth Antiphon. Let the praise
of our God.
Psalm CXLVI.
[The Vulgate and the LXX., as stated,
prefix "Alleluia," and the LXX. adds "of
Haggai and Zechariah."]
ye the LORD, for it is
good to sing praises : * the
praise of our God is pleasant and
comely.
The LORD doth build up Jeru
salem : * He gathereth together
the outcasts of Israel.
He healeth the broken in heart, *
and bindeth up their wounds.
He telleth the number of the
stars ; * and calleth them all by
their names.
Great is our Lord, and of great
power : * and His understanding is
infinite.
The LORD lifteth up the meek ; *
but He casteth the wicked down to
the ground.
Sing unto the LORD with thanks
giving : * sing praise upon the harp
unto our God.
Who covereth the heaven with
clouds : * and prepareth rain for the
earth,
Who maketh grass to grow upon
the mountains, * and herbs for the
service of men :
He giveth to the beast his food,
* and to the young ravens which cry
unto Him.
He delighteth not in the strength
of an horse ; * neither taketh He
pleasure ir&gt; the legs of a man.
The LORD taketh pleasure in them
that fear Him, * and in those that
hope in His mercy.
Antiphon. Let the praise of our
God be pleasant.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise the LORD.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words^ " O Jerusalem."
Psalm CXLVII.
[In the Hebrew this is the continuation
of the preceding Psalm. The Vulgate and
the LXX. prefix "Alleluia," and the LXX.
adds "of Haggai and Zechariah."]
the LORD, O Jerusalem !
* praise thy God, O Zion !
For He hath strengthened the
bars of thy gates : * He hath blessed
thy children within thee :
He maketh peace in thy borders :
* and filleth thee with the finest of
the wheat.
He sendeth forth His command
ment upon earth : * His word run
neth very swiftly.
He giveth snow like wool : * He
scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
He casteth forth His ice like
morsels : * who can stand before
His cold?
He sendeth out His word, and
melteth them : * He causeth His
wind to blow, and the waters flow.
He declareth His word unto
Jacob, * His statutes and His
judgments unto Israel.
He hath not dealt so with any
nation : * neither hath He made
known to them His judgments.
[The Hebrew adds "Alleluia," which
the Vulgate and the LXX. prefix to the
next Psalm.]
2O4
THE PSALTER.
Antiphon. Praise the LORD, O
Jerusalem.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
From Advent Sunday till the Octave
oj the Epiphany, and from Septuagesima
Sunday till the Octave of Pentecost spe
cial Chapters are given.
At other times the following is said:
CHAPTER. (Rom. xi. 33.)
OTHE depth of the riches and
wisdom and knowledge of
God : how unsearchable are His
judgments and His ways past find
ing out !
The following Hymn and Verse and
Answer is used during the same seasons
as the above Chapter, and likewise from
Septuagesima to Lent.
HYMN. 1
THE red sun is gone,
Thou Light of the heart,
Blessed Three, Holy One,
To Thy servants a sun
Everlasting impart.
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, altered
the late Card. Newman.
There were Lauds in the morn,
Here are Vespers at even :
Oh, may we adorn
Thy temple new born
With our voices in Heaven.
To the Father be praise,
And praise to the Son,
And the Spirit always,
While the infinite days
Of eternity run.
Amen.
Verse. Let the evening prayer
ascend unto Thee, O Lord.
Answer. And let there descend
upon us Thy mercy.
The following Antiphon is said only
from the Octave of the Epiphany till
Septuagesima.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. God hath holpen His ser
vant Israel : * as He spake to
Abraham and to his seed, to exalt
them of low degree for ever and
ever.
Prayer of the succeeding Sunday.
almost beyond recognition ; translation by
205
COMPLINE. 1
ffice for rterg fcag in tlje
At the beginning of Compline the
Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
The Blessing.
May the Almighty Lord grant us
a quiet night and a perfect end.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read this Short Lesson.
SHORT LESSON, (i Pet. v. 8.)
T3RETHREN, be sober, be vigil-
k* ant : because your adversary
the devil as a roaring lion walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour:
whom resist ye, stedfast in the faith.
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Verse. ^ 2 Our help is in the
Name of the LORD.
Answer. Who made heaven and
earth.
Then the Lord s Prayer is said in-
audibly. ,
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we for
give them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
After this is said the General Confes
sion and Absolution.
T CONFESS to God Almighty, to
^ the Blessed Mary, always a
Virgin, to the Blessed Michael the
Archangel, to the Blessed John the
Baptist, to the Holy Apostles Peter
and Paul, and to all the Saints, that
I have sinned exceedingly in thought,
word, and deed, by my fault, by my
fault, by my most grievous fault.
Therefore I beseech the Blessed
Mary, always a Virgin, the Blessed
Michael the Archangel, the Blessed
John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles
Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, to
pray to the Lord our God for me.
The Absolution.
A LMIGHTY God have mercy
^T*- on us, forgive us our sins,
and bring us to life everlasting.
Answer. Amen.
R Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
Compline (Completorium) is the last office of the Church, and is proper to the end of
the evening before going to bed, reckoned to be about 9 p.m., but it may be said any time
thus forming the com
ion that the "Evening
2 p s cxx {{{ f _
"S *"* j., fe -~ ^v,v*, .v.v,.v^ii^,_t. iw u^ enjoin, y p.lll., UUL 1L Illciy UC bclIU illl^
betore midnight. It is very frequently recited along with Vespers, thus forming the com
plete Evening Service of the Church, and it is from this aggregati fli " f f ^~ " T? "
Prayer " of the Anglican Prayer Book is derived.
206
THE PSALTER.
^ TV /\ AY the Almighty and mer-
^ -* ciful Lord grant us pardon,
absolution, and remission of all our
sins.
Answer, Amen.
Verse. l Turn us, O God of our
salvation.
Answer. And cause Thine anger
toward us to cease.
Verse. ^ Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
From the Saturday before Septua-
gesima Sunday to Maundy Thursday
instead of " Alleluia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
Then follow the Psalms. They are
all said under one Antiphon.
Antiphon. Have mercy.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia.
Psalm IV.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
musical (?) direction of (now) uncertain
meaning.]
WHEN I called, the God of my
righteousness heard me : *
Thou hast enlarged me when I was
in distress :
Have mercy upon me, * and hear
my prayer.
O ye sons of men, how long
will ye be dull of heart? * Why
will ye love vanity, and seek after
leasing ? 2
1 Ps. Ixxxiv. 5.
But know that the LORD hath set
apart for Himself him that is holy :
* the LORD will hear me when I
call unto Him.
Be ye angry and sin not : * what
ye speak in your heart, repent upon
your bed. 2
Offer the sacrifices of righteous
ness, and put your trust in the LORD.
* There be many that say : Who will
show us any good ?
LORD, Thou hast set upon us the
light of Thy countenance. * Thou
hast put gladness in my heart,
More than in the time that
their corn, and wine, and oil *
increased.
I will both lay me down in peace,
* and sleep,
For Thou, LORD, only * makest
me to dwell in safety.
Psalm XXX.
[The first eight verses of Psalm xxx., p.
7 6.]
IN Thee, O LORD, do I put my
trust, let me never be asham
ed ; * deliver me in Thy righteous
ness.
Bow down Thine ear to me, *
deliver me speedily.
Be Thou to me a God, a Pre
server, and an house of defence, *
to save me.
For Thou art my strength and
my refuge, * and for Thy Name s
sake Thou wilt lead me and nourish
me.
Thou wilt pull me out of the net,
that they have laid privily for me,
* for Thou art my Preserver.
Into Thine hands I commend my
spirit : * Thou hast redeemed me,
O LORD God of truth !
2 SLH.
COMPLINE.
207
Psalm XC.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. give the
heading, "A Psalm of praise of David."]
HE that dwelleth in the help of
the Most High, * shall abide
under the shadow of the God of
heaven.
He will say to the LORD : Thou
art my refuge, and my fortress, *
my God, in Him will I trust.
For He shall deliver me from the
snare of the fowler, * and from the
noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with His
wings, * and under His feathers
shalt thou trust :
His truth shall be thy shield. *
Thou shalt not be afraid for the
terror by night;
For the arrow that flieth by day,
for the pestilence that walketh in
darkness, * for the evil spirit that
wasteth at noon-day.
A thousand shall fall at thy side,
and ten thousand at thy right
hand : * but it shall not come
nigh thee.
Yea, with thine eyes shalt thou
behold : * and see the reward of
the wicked.
Because Thou, O LORD, art my
trust : * thou hast made the Most
High thy refuge.
There shall no evil befall thee, *
neither shall any plague come nigh
thy dwelling.
For He hath given His Angels
charge over thee, * to keep thee in
all thy ways :
They shall bear thee up in their
hands, * lest haply thou dash thy
foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the adder
and the cockatrice : * the lion also
and the dragon shalt thou trample
under feet.
Because he hath set his trust
upon Me, therefore will I deliver
him : * I will defend him because
he hath known My Name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will
answer him : * I am with him in
trouble : I will deliver him and
glorify him.
With long life will I satisfy him :
* and show him My salvation.
Psalm CXXXIII.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees."]
T3EHOLD now, bless ye the
&lt;"* LORD, * all ye servants of the
LORD.
Which stand in the house of the
LORD, * even in the courts of the
house of our God,
By night. Lift up your hands
toward the sanctuary, * and bless
the LORD.
The LORD That made heaven
and earth, * bless thee out of
Zion !
Antiphon, 1 Have mercy upon
me, O Lord, and hear my prayer.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said the following :
HYMN. 2
1\J OW that the day-light dies away,
1 ~ By all Thy grace and love,
Thee, Maker of the world, we pray
To watch our bed above.
1 Ps. iv. 2.
2 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, very slightly altered ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
208
THE PSALTER.
Let dreams depart and phantoms fly,
The offspring of the night,
Keep us, like shrines, beneath Thine
eye,
Pure in our foes despite.
This grace on Thy redeemed confer,
Father, Co-equal Son,
And Holy Ghost, the Comforter,
Eternal Three in One.
Amen.
The last verse is sometimes said thus,
altered in honour of the Incarnation :
JESU, the Virgin-born, to Thee
Eternal praise be given,
With Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Here as it is in heaven.
Amen.
In Paschal time it is said thus, al
tered in honour of the Resurrection :
To Father, Son, and Paraclete,
The slain and risen Son,
Be praise and glory, as is meet,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
// is also occasionally otherwise al
tered, which occasions are marked in
their places.
Then folloius the
CHAPTER. (Jer. xiv. 9.)
YET Thou, O LORD, art in the
midst of us, and Thine holy
Name is called upon us : x leave us
not, O Lord our God.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then the Short Responsory.
2 Into Thine hands, O Lord, I
commend my spirit.
1 The allusion seems to be to the invocation of the Name upon Israel by the Priests,
Numb. vi. 22. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying : Speak unto Aaron, and unto
his sons, saying, On this wise shall ye bless the children of Israel, saying unto them The
LORD bless thee and keep thee ; the LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious
unto thee ; the LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace and they
shall put My Name upon the children of Israel ; and I will bless them. "
2 Ps. xxx. 6. 3 Ps. xvi. 8.
Answer. Into Thine hands, O
Lord, I commend my spirit.
Verse. Thou hast redeemed us,
O LORD God of truth.
Answer. I commend my spirit.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Into Thine hands, O
Lord, I commend my spirit.
Verse. 3 Keep us, O Lord, as
the apple of the eye.
Answer. Hide us under the
shadow of Thy wings.
From the Saturday after Easter in
clusive to the Saturday after Pentecost
exclusive, the above is said thus :
Into Thine hands, O Lord, I com
mend my spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Answer. Into Thine hands, O
Lord, I commend my spirit. Al
leluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Thou hast redeemed us,
O LORD God of truth.
Answer. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Into Thine hands, O
Lord, I commend my spirit. Alle
luia, Alleluia.
Verse. Keep us, O Lord, as the
apple of the eye. Alleluia.
Answer. Hide us under the
shadow of Thy wings. Alleluia.
Then is said the following Canticle
from the Gospel, with its Antiphon.
Antiphon. O Lord, keep us.
COMPLINE.
209
THE SONG OF SIMEON. (Luke ii. 29.)
[Uttered by Simeon at the presentation
of our LORD in the Temple. " Then took
he Him up in his arms, and blessed God,
and said : "]
T ORD, now lettest Thou Thy
*-* servant depart in peace, *
according to Thy word :
For mine eyes have seen * Thy
Salvation,
Which Thou hast prepared *
before the face of all people ;
A Light to lighten the Gentiles,
and the glory of Thy people
Israel.
The Doxology, "Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is said.
Antiphon. O Lord, keep us
waking, guard us sleeping : that
we may wake with Christ and rest
in peace.
In Paschal time, "Alleluia."
Then follow these short prayers, called
the Preces. They are omitted on Doubles
and within Octaves, hi Advent, Lent,
and the Ember Days they are said
kneeling.
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
R Father, (inaudibly,} Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud?)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
1 Dan. iii
T BELIEVE (inaudibly] in God
A the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth. And in JESUS
Christ, His only Son, our Lord ;
Who was conceived by the Holy
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead, and buried: He
descended into hell : the third day
He rose again from the dead : He
ascended into heaven, and sitteth
on the right hand of God the
Father Almighty. From thence He
shall come to judge the quick and
the dead. I believe in the Holy
Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints, the For
giveness of sins, (aloud}
Verse. The Resurrection of the
body.
Answer. And the Life ever
lasting. Amen.
Verse. 1 Blessed art Thou, O
Lord God of our fathers,
Answer. And to be praised and
glorified above all for ever.
Verse. Bless we the Father, and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Let us praise and exalt
Him above all for ever.
Verse. x Blessed art Thou, O
Lord, in the firmament of heaven,
Answer. And to be praised, and
glorified, and exalted above all for
ever.
Verse. May the Lord, the Al
mighty and merciful, bless and
keep us.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this
night,
Answer. To keep us without sin.
Verse. Have mercy upon us, O
LORD.
Answer. Have mercy upon us.
52, 56.
210
THE PSALTER.
Verse. O LORD, let Thy mercy
lighten upon us.
Answer. As our trust is in Thee.
Here the service is resumed, when
the above has been omitted.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
VISIT, we beseech Thee, O
Lord, this habitation, 1 and
drive far from it all snares of the
enemy : let Thine holy Angels dwell
herein, to keep us in peace, and
may Thy blessing be always upon
us. Through our Lord JESUS Christ,
Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth
with Thee, in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, one God, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
The Blessing.
May the Almighty and Merciful
Lord, *%* the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, bless and keep us.
Answer. Amen.
Then follows immediately one of
these Four Antiphons of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, according to the season
of the year.
I. From the Vespers of the Saturday
before Advent Sunday till those of
Candlemas, both inclusive.
Antiphon. Maiden ! Mother of
Him Who redeemed us, thou that
abidest
Heaven s open gate, and the Star
of the Sea, come, succour the fallen !
Fallen indeed we are, but fain
would rise by thy succour.
Thou that beyond nature s course
hast borne in time the Eternal ;
Thou that a Virgin before, and
after that childbirth remainest,
From the Archangel s lips the
quickening message receiving,
Mother of JESUS and us, turn
thine eyes of mercy on sinners.
Verse. The Angel of the Lord
announced unto Mary,
Answer. And she conceived of
the Holy Ghost.
Let us pray.
beseech Thee, O Lord, pour
Thy grace into our hearts ;
that, as we have known the Incar
nation of Thy Son JESUS Christ by
the message of an Angel, so by His
Passion and Cross we may be
brought unto the glory of His
Resurrection. Through the same
Christ our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
From the First Vespers of Christmas
inclusive, the Verse and Answer and
Prayer are as follows :
Verse. After thy delivery thou
still remainest a Virgin undefiled.
Answer. Mother of God, pray
for us.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who, by the fruitful
virginity of the Blessed Mary,
hast given unto mankind the re
wards of everlasting life ; grant, we
beseech Thee, that we may con
tinually feel the might of her in-
1 This Office was originally the last Prayer before going to rest "for the monks of the
Order of St Benedict.
COMPLINE.
211
tercession ; through whom we have
worthily received the Author of
our life, our Lord JESUS Christ
Thy Son.
Answer. Amen.
II. from the Compline of the 2nd
day of February inclusive to
Maundy Thursday exclusive.
Antiphon. Hail, O Mary, Queen
of heaven,
Queen of Angel worlds on high,
Hail, O Rod to Jesse given,
Blessed Portal of the sky,
Hail, O Lady, bright and glorious,
Clad in beauty, pure and true,
Virgin ! o er sin s stain victorious,
Sinners for thy succour sue.
Verse. Holy Virgin, my praise
by thee accepted be.
Answer. Give me strength against
thine enemies.
Let us pray.
IV/TOST merciful God, grant, we
-** * beseech Thee, a succour
unto the frailty of our nature, that
as we keep ever alive the memory
of the holy Mother of God, so by
the help of her intercession we may
be raised up from the bondage of
our sins. Through the same Christ
our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
III. from the First Compline of
Easter inclusive till the First
Vespers of Trinity Sunday ex
clusive.
Antiphon. Rejoice! rejoice! thou
Queen of Heaven, Alleluia,
For He That thee for Son was
given, Alleluia,
As He promised is arisen. Alle
luia.
Mother, pray to Him for us,
Alleluia.
Verse. Be glad and rejoice, O
Virgin Mary, Alleluia,
Answer. For the Lord is risen
indeed. Alleluia.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who dost vouchsafe to
gladden the whole world by
the resurrection of Thy Son our
Lord JESUS Christ ; grant, we be
seech Thee, that by the help of
His Mother the Virgin Mary, we
may finally attain unto the glad
ness of life everlasting. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
IV. From the First Vespers of
Trinity Sunday inclusive till the
Vespers of Saturday before Ad
vent Sunday exclusive.
Antiphon. Hail, O Queen, Mo
ther of mercy ! hail, our life, our
sweetness, and our hope. To thee
we cry, the banished sons of Eve.
Toward thee we sigh, weeping and
groaning in this vale of tears. Ah,
then, thou our Advocate, turn on us
those merciful eyes of thine ! And,
after this our exile, show to us JESUS,
the blessed Fruit of thy womb. O
most merciful, O most gracious, O
most sweet Virgin Mary ! 1
Verse. Pray for us, holy Mo
ther of God.
Answer. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of Christ.
1 Of these four Antiphons, "Maiden Mother" is ascribed to Hermann the Cripple, a
monk of Reichenau, who died A.D. 1052. The authorship of the second is unknown : it
212
THE PSALTER.
Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting
God, Who, by the co-opera
tion of the Holy Ghost, didst make
ready both the body and soul of
the glorious Virgin and Mother
Mary worthily to become a meet
dwelling for Thy Son ; grant that
as we rejoice in her memory, so
by her pitiful intercession we may
be delivered from the evils that
continually hang over us, and finally
from everlasting death. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
After each of these Antiphons is said
this Blessing:
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Lastly, whether Mattins be to follow
immediately, or not, the Lord s Prayer,
the Angelic Salutation, and the Apos
tles Creed are said inaudibly.
Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will
be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. And lead us
not into temptation ; but deliver
us from evil. Amen.
TTAIL, Mary, full of grace; the
* ^ Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now, and at the
hour of our death. Amen.
T BELIEVE in God, the Father
^ Almighty, Maker of heaven
and earth. And in JESUS Christ,
His Only Son, our Lord, Who
was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
dead, and buried : He descended
into hell : the third day He rose
again from the dead : He ascended
into heaven, and sitteth at the right
hand of God the Father Almighty :
from thence He shall come to
judge both the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the
Holy Catholic Church, the Com
munion of Saints, the Forgiveness
of sins, the Resurrection of the
body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Thus ends the Office of Compline
throughout the year, in which Office
the words, " May the souls, &c.," are
omitted, and the Verse and Answer,
"The Lord give us, &c.," are ?iot said
before the Antiphon of tJic Blessed
Virgin.
seems to date from about the eleventh century. The date and authorship of the third are
likewise unknown ; but a legend has become attached to it, to the effect that St Gregory
the Great heard the three first lines uttered by an angel, and himself added the fourth, on
the same occasion on which was instituted the procession upon St Mark s Day. The
authorship of " Hail, O Queen" is disputed. The last clause is usually admitted to be an
exclamation uttered by St Bernard of Clairvaux in the cathedral of Spires. But the
authorship of the rest is disputed, some ascribing it to Hermann the Cripple, others to
one Peter of Monsoro, bishop of Compostella, others to one Adhemar, bishop of Podium
(Puy-en-Velay). It seems to have been well known, at least in Spain, early in the
twelfth century.
proper &gt;ffice of tije
Crtnitg &
The First Lord s Day after Pentecost.
of tjje jIBogt P?olg
Double of the First Class.
All as on ordinary Sundays, except
the following.
FIRST VESPERS.
^Antiphons, Chapter, and Prayer
from Lauds.
Last Psalm.
Psalm CXVI.
O praise the LORD, &c., (p. 186.)
Virgin. Thanks be unto Thee, O
God Thanks be unto Thee, O True
and One Trinity, Holy and Supreme
Deity, Holy and One Unity.
A Commemoration is made of the
First Sunday after Pentecost.
Antiphon. 2 Speak, LORD ; for Thy
servant heareth.
Verse. Let the evening prayer as
cend unto Thee, O Lord.
Answer. And let there descend
upon us Thy mercy.
Hymn as on ordinary Saturday Prayer from the Commemoration at
even ings, (p. 204.)
Lauds.
Verse. Bless we the Father, and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Let us praise Him and
exalt Him above all for ever.
MATTINS.
Invitatory. The True God is
Unity in Trinity, and Trinity in
Unity. * O come, let us worship
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed Him.
1 This Festival in honour of the Church s Doctrine concerning God can never be transferred,
and is therefore printed in the original just as given here.
2 i Kings (Sam.) iii. 9.
VOL. III.
H
2I 4
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Hymn.
r\ THOU Eternal Source of love !
^~^ Ruler of Nature s scheme !
In Substance One, in Persons Three !
Omniscient and Supreme !
O be Thou near us when we wake ;
And at the break of day,
With Thy blest touch arouse the soul,
Her meed of praise to pay.
To God the Father glory be,
And Sole, Eternal Son ;
And glory, Holy Ghost, to Thee,
While endless ages run. Amen.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Antiphon. Be present, O One
Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost.
Psalm VIII.
O LORD, our Lord, &c., (p. 7.)
Second A ntiphon. We acknowledge
that Thou art One in Being, and Three
in Persons.
Psalm XVIII.
The heavens declare, &c., (p. 17.)
Third Antiphon. We testify that
Thy Being, Thy Life, and Thine Un
derstanding are One and eternally
unchangeable.
Psalm XXIII.
The earth is the LORD S, &c., (/.
46.)
Verse. Bless we the Father, and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Let us praise and exalt
Him above all for ever.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Isaiah (vi. i.)
T N the year that King Uzziah died,
I saw the Lord sitting upon a
throne, high and lifted up, and His
train rilled the temple. Above it
stood the 2 Seraphim ; each one had
six wings ; with twain he covered his
face, and with twain he covered his
feet, and with twain he did fly. And
one cried unto another, and said :
Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD God of
hosts ; the whole earth is full of His
glory. And the posts of the door
moved at the voice of him that cried,
and the house was. rilled with smoke.
First Responsory.
I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne,
high and lifted up, and the whole earth
was full of His glory, and His train
filled the temple.
Verse. Above it stood the Sera
phim : each one had six wings.
Answer. And His train filled the
temple.
Second Lesson.
"THEN said I : Woe is me, for I am
silent, because I am a man of
unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst
of a people of unclean lips, and mine
eyes have seen the King, the LORD
of hosts. Then flew one of the
Seraphim unto me, having a live coal
in his hand, which he had taken with
the tongs from off the altar. And he
laid it upon my mouth, and said : Lo,
this hath touched thy lips, and thine
iniquity is taken away, and thy sin
purged. Also I heard the voice of the
Lord saying : Whom shall I send ?
and who will go for us ? Then said
I : Here am I ; send me.
1 The original is taken, with alterations, from two Ambrosian hymns ; translation by the
Rev. E. Caswall. 2 Or "burning ones."
TRINITY SUNDAY.
215
Second Responsory.
1 Blessed be the LORD God of hosts,
Who only doeth wondrous things.
And blessed be His glorious Name
for ever.
Verse. And let the whole earth be
rilled with His glory. Amen. Amen.
Answer. And blessed be His glori
ous Name for ever.
Third Lesson.
A ND He said: Go, and tell this
^ people : Hear ye indeed, but
understand not ; and see ye indeed,
but , perceive not. Make the heart of
this people dull, and make their ears
heavy, and shut their eyes ; lest haply
they see with their eyes, and hear
with their ears, and understand with
their heart, and be converted, and I
should heal them. Then said I : Lord,
how long ? And He answered : Until
the cities be wasted without inhabi
tant, and the houses without man, and
the land be utterly desolate : and the
LORD shall remove man far away, and
that which is left in the midst of the
land shall increase.
Third Responsory.
2 Let God, even our own God, bless
us ; let God bless us. And let all the
ends of the earth fear Him.
Verse. God be merciful unto us,
and bless us.
Answer. And let all the ends of
the earth fear Him.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. And let all the ends of
the earth fear Him.
SECOND NOCTURN.
First Antiphon. Upon Thee do we
call, Thee do we praise, Thee do we
worship, O Blessed Trinity !
i Ps. Ixxi. 18, 19. 2 Ps. Ixvi. 8, 2.
Psalm XLVI.
O clap your hands, &c., (p. 98.)
Second Antiphon. Thou art our
Hope, Thou art our Salvation, Thou
art our glory, O Blessed Trinity !
Psalm XLVI I.
Great is the LORD, &c., (p. 98.)
Third Antiphon. Be Thou our De
liverer, our Saviour, our Life-giver, O
Blessed Trinity !
Psalm LXXL
Give the King, &c., (p. 126.)
Verse. 3 Blessed art Thou, O Lord,
in the firmament of heaven.
Answer. And above all to be
praised and glorified for ever.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
on the Faith, addressed to Peter by
St Fulgentius, Bishop [of Ruspa.]
(Found in the Works of Augustine,
torn. 3.)
"PHE Faith which the holy Patri
archs and Prophets received
from God before His Son was made
Flesh, the Faith which the holy
Apostles heard from the Lord Him
self when Present in the Flesh, the
Faith which the same Apostles learnt
by the teaching of the Holy Ghost
not only to preach by word of mouth,
but also to leave behind them in their
writings for the healthful instruction
of all that should come after, that
Faith teacheth that the Trinity, that
is to say, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, is but ONE GOD.
But we could not truly call the
216
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
a Trinity, if One and the Selfsame
Person were named Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost.
Fourth Responsory.
1 Who is so great a God as our God ?
Thou art the God that doest wonders.
Verse. Thou hast declared Thy
strength among the people ; Thou
hast with Thine arm redeemed Thy
people.
Answer. Thou art the God that
doest wonders.
Fifth Lesson.
T^ OR if as the Being of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost is
One Being, so were there but One
Person, then were it untrue to say
that God is a Trinity. On the other
hand, if, as the Persons of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost are dis
tinguished One from Another by that
which is proper to Each, so were
They diverse by difference of nature,
then were it untrue to say that God
is ONE. But since concerning the
nature of the One True God, Who
is a Trinity, it is the Truth to say
that God is ONE, and the Truth to
say that God is a Trinity, therefore
the True God is a Trinity in Persons,
and an Unity in nature.
Fifth Responsory.
To Thee be praise, to Thee be
glory, to Thee be thanksgiving for
ever and ever, O Blessed Trinity !
Verse. 2 And blessed is Thy glori
ous and Holy Name, and to be praised
and exalted above all for ever.
Answer. O Blessed Trinity !
Sixth Lesson.
^THROUGH this Oneness of nature
All That the Father is is in the
Son and the Holy Ghost, All That
the Son is is in the Father and the
Holy Ghost, and All That the Holy
Ghost is is in the Father and the
Son. Of the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, None is without
Other, None is before Other, None
is Greater than Other, None is
Mightier than Other. The Father,
as touching the One Divine Nature,
is neither before nor greater than
the Son and the Holy Ghost :
neither is it possible that the Eter
nity and Infinity of the Son, whether
as before or greater, should be before
or greater than the Eternity and In
finity of the Spirit.
Sixth Responsory.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly
to be praised, and His Wisdom is
unsearchable.
Verse. 4 Great is our Lord, and
of great power, and His understand
ing is infinite.
Answer. And His Wisdom is un
searchable.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. And His Wisdom is un
searchable.
THIRD NOCTURN.
First Antiphon. The Father is
Love ; the Son is Grace ; the Holy
Ghost is Communion. 5 Blessed be
the Trinity.
i Ps. Ixxvi. 14-16. 2 Dan. iii. 52. 3 Ps. xlvii. 2. 4 Ps. cxlvi. 5.
s Communicatio. The distinctive property of the Holy Ghost, according to the Greek
Fathers, is to be the Sanctifying Power of the Father and the Son, the substantial Gift whereby
we are made " partakers of the Divine Nature."
TRINITY SUNDAY.
21
Psalm XCV.
O sing unto the Lord, &c., (p. 148.)
Second Antiphon. The Father is
Truth ; the Son is Truth ; the Holy
Ghost is Truth. Blessed be the
Trinity.
Psalm XCV I.
The LORD reigneth, &c., (p. 149.)
Third Antiphon. The Being of
the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost, is ONE. Blessed
be the Trinity.
Psalm XCVIL
O sing unto the LORD, &c., (p. 157.)
Verse. x By the Word of the LORD
were the heavens made.
Answer. And all the host of them
by the Breath of His mouth.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (xxviii.
18.)
A T that time : JESUS said unto His
^^ disciples : All power is given
unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go
ye, therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the Name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. And so on.
Homily by St Gregory of Nazi-
anzus, Patriarch [of Constantinople.]
(Treatise on the Faith.}
There is no Catholic but knoweth
that the Father is a Very Father,
the Son a Very Son, and the Holy
Ghost a Very Holy Ghost, even as
the Lord Himself saith unto His
Apostles : " Go ye and baptize all
1 Ps. xxxii. 6.
nations in the Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost." This is that Perfect Trinity
Who is but ONE BEING, and of
Whom therefore we testify that His
Substance is ONE. For we make
no division in God, as divisions are
made in bodies, but we testify, that,
according to the power of the Divine
Nature, Which standeth not in matter,
the Persons named have a real exist
ence, and that GOD is ONE.
Seventh Responsory.
Bless we the Father, and the Son,
and the Holy Ghost. Let us praise
and exalt Him above all for ever.
Verse. 2 Blessed art Thou, O Lord,
in the firmament of heaven, and above
all to be praised and glorified for ever.
Answer. Let us praise and exalt
Him above all for ever.
Eighth Lesson.
A1TE do not say, as some have
* * dreamt, that the Begetting of
the Son of GOD is an outgrowing
from one part to another part : neither
do we say that He is the Word in
the sense of a mere sound uttered
by a voice, but we do believe that
these three Names and the Persons
meant by them are all of only One
Being, One Majesty, and One Power.
And therefore we testify that God is
ONE, because this ONE-ness of His
Majesty forbiddeth that we should
use the Plural form of speech and
say, " Gods." It is Catholic language
to say, " Father and Son," but we
cannot and must not say that the
Father and the Son are two gods.
And that, not because the Son of
God is not by Himself God yea,
He is Very God of Very God but
because we know that the Son of
2 Dan. iii. 56.
218
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
God is not from elsewhere, but from
the One Father Himself, and there
fore we say that God is ONE. This
is the doctrine which Prophets and
Apostles have delivered ; this is the
doctrine which the Lord Himself
taught when He said, " I and the
Father are ONE," (John x. 30,) that
is, He meant, as touching the ONE
Divine Being, but as touching Per
sons, We are distinct.
Eighth Responsory.
1 One Seraph cried unto another
Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD God
of hosts : the whole earth is full of
His glory.
Verse. 2 There are Three That
bear record in heaven, the Father,
the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and
these Three are One.
Answer. Holy, Holy, Holy is the
LORD God of hosts :
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. The whole earth is full
of His glory.
Ninth Lesson. (Homily for the First
Sunday after Pentecost. )
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Luke (vi. 36.)
AT that time : JESUS said unto His
disciples : Be ye merciful, as
your Father also is merciful. And
so on.
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
Hippo.] (\$th Sermon on Matthew,
Words of the Lord.}
There are two works of mercy
which free us, and which the Lord
Himself hath briefly named in the
Gospel " Forgive, and ye shall be
forgiven : give, and it shall be given
unto you." " Forgive, and ye shall
be forgiven " such is the promise of
pardon. " Give, and it shall be given
unto you " such is the promise of
favour. As touching forgiveness ; thou
hast trespasses which thou wouldest
fain have forgiven, and them which
have trespassed against thee, whom
thou canst forgive. As touching
favour, there are beggars that beg
from thee, and thou art a beggar
to God. When we pray, we are all
beggars to God, standing at the
door of the Great Householder, yea,
falling down on our knees, and be
seeching Him to give us somewhat ;
and that somewhat is God Himself.
What doth a beggar ask of thee ?
Bread. And what dost thou ask of
God but that Christ Who saith : "I
am the Living Bread Which came
down from heaven ? " If ye will
be forgiven, forgive ye. If ye will
be pardoned, pardon ye. If ye will
receive, "give, and it shall be given
unto you."
The Hymn, "We praise Thee,
God, &c.," is said.
LAUDS.
First Antiphon.^
i. Holy, Holy, Holy! * Lord God Al
mighty !
Early in the morning our song shall rise
to Thee !
Holy, Holy, Holy ! Merciful and Mighty !
God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity !
1 Isa. vi. 3. 2 t j hn v. 7.
3 The first four Antiphons are Doxologies to the Most Holy Trinity in verse, being apparently
the last verses of Hymns. They are in different measures, of no literary merit, and almost
quite the same in sense, and the translator has ventured to represent them by the above four
homogeneous Doxologies by Bp. Heber, constituting his Hymn for Trinity Sunday. For a
literal translation, see Appendix.
TRINITY SUNDAY.
219
Second Antiphon.
2. Holy, Holy, Holy! * All the Saints
adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around
the glassy sea ;
Cherubim and Seraphim falling down
before Thee,
Which wert, and art, and evermore
shall be.
Third Antiphon.
3. Holy, Holy, Holy ! * though the dark
ness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory
may not see,
Only Thou art Holy : there is none be
side Thee
Perfect in power, in love, in purity !
Fourth Antiphon.
4. Holy, Holy, Holy! * Lord God Al
mighty !
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name,
in earth, and sky, and sea !
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty,
God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity !
Fifth Antiphon. l Of Him, and
through Him, and to Him, are all
things ; * to Whom be glory for
ever.
Chapter. (Rom. xi. 33.)
r\ THE depth of the riches both of
^^^ the wisdom and knowledge of
God ! How unsearchable are His
judgments, and His ways past finding
out!
Hymn?
r\ THOU Who dost all nature sway,
Dread Trinity in Unity !
Accept the trembling praise we pay
To Thy Eternal Majesty !
The star that heralds in the morn
Is fading in the skies ;
The darkness melts ; O Thou True Light,
Once more on us arise !
To God the Father glory be ;
And Sole Eternal Son ;
All Glory, Holy Ghost, to Thee,
While endless ages run. Amen.
Verse. Bless we the Father, and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Let us praise and exalt
Him above all for ever.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
Blessed be the Holy One, the Maker
and Lord of all things ! Blessed be
the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now
and always, and unto unending ages
of ages.
Prayer throughout tJie day.
A LMIGHTY and everlasting God,
^~*- Who hast given unto Thy ser
vants grace by the confession of a true
faith to acknowledge the glory of the
Eternal Trinity, and in the power of
the Divine Majesty to worship the
Unity ; we beseech Thee that Thou
wouldest keep us steadfast in this
faith, and evermore defend us from
all adversities. Through our Lord
JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who liveth
and reigneth with Thee, in the unity
of the Holy Ghost, one God, world
without end. Amen.
The following Commemoration is made
of the First Sunday after Pentecost.
Antiphon. 3 Be ye therefore merci
ful, as your Father also is merciful
saith the Lord.
Verse. The LORD reigneth ; He is
clothed with majesty.
Answer. The LORD is clothed with
strength, and has girded Himself with
power.
Let us pray.
C\ GOD, the Strength of all them
that put their trust in Thee,
mercifully accept our prayers, and
because through the weakness of our
mortal nature we can do no good
1 Rom. xi. 36.
2 The original is taken, with alterations, from two hymns of the Ambrosian school ; transla
tion by the Rev. E. Caswall. 3 Luke vi. 36.
22O
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
thing without Thee, grant us the
help of Thy grace, that in keeping
of Thy commandments we may please
Thee, both in will and deed. Through
our Lord JESUS Christ, Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world
without end. Amen.
PRIME.
Antiphon. Holy, &c., (First Anti
phon at Lauds.}
The Psalms are LIII. and the two
first parts of C XVI II.
The Creed of St Athanasius is said.
Chapter at the end. (i John v. 7.)
"THERE are Three That bear record
in heaven, the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost, and these Three
are One.
TERCE.
Antiphon. Holy, &c., (Second
Antiphon at Lauds.}
Chapter from Lauds.
Short Responsory.
Bless we the Father, and the Son,
and the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Bless we the Father, and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Verse. Let us praise and exalt Him
above all for ever.
Answer. And the Holy Ghost.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Bless we the Father, and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Verse. Blessed art Thou, O Lord,
in the firmament of heaven.
Answer. And to be praised and
glorified for ever.
SEXT.
Antiphon. Holy,
Antiphon at Lauds.}
&c., ( Third
Chapter. (2 Cor. xiii. 13.)
HP HE grace of our Lord JESUS
Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy
Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Short Responsory.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the
firmament of heaven.
Answer. Blessed art Thou, O Lord,
in the firmament of heaven.
Verse. And to be praised and glori
fied for ever.
Answer. In the firmament of
heaven.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Blessed art Thou, O Lord,
in the firmament of heaven.
Verse. By the W T ord of the LORD
were the heavens made.
Answer. And all the host of them
by the Breath of His mouth.
Antiphon. Of Him, &c., (Fifth
Antiphon at Lauds.}
Chapter as at the end of Prime.
Short Responsory.
By the Word of the LORD were the
heavens made.
Answer. By the Word of the
LORD were the heavens made.
Verse. And all the host of them
by the Breath of His mouth.
Answer. Were the heavens made.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. By the Word of the
LORD were the heavens made.
FIRST WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
221
Verse. Blessed be the Name of
the LORD.
Answer. From henceforth, now,
and for ever.
SECOND VESPERS.
All the same as First Vespers, ex
cept the following :
Verse. Blessed art Thou, O Lord,
in the firmament of heaven.
Answer. And to be praised and
glorified for ever.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. With all our heart and with
all our voice do we acknowledge Thee,
praise Thee, and bless Thee, O God
the Father the Unbegotten, O God
the Only-Begotten Son, O God the
Holy Ghost the Comforter, One Holy
and Undivided Trinity ! To Thee be
glory for ever !
The following is the Commemoration of
the First Sunday after Pentecost.
Antiphon. * Judge not, that ye be
not judged : for with what judgment
ye judge, ye shall be judged, saith
the Lord.
Verse. Let my prayer, O Lord, be
set forth.
Answer. As incense before Thee.
Prayer as at the Commemoration of
Lauds.
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the First Book of
Kings (Samuel) (i. 1-3.)
2 ^^ OW there was a certain man of
Ramathaim-Zophim, of Mount
Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah,
the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu,
the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an
Ephrathite ; and he had two wives ;
the name of the one was Hannah,
and the name of the other Peninnah.
And Peninnah had children, but
Hannah had no children. And this
man went up out of his city on the
appointed days, to worship, and to
sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in
Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli,
Hophni and Phinehas, the Priests of
the LORD, were there.
First Responsory.
3 Prepare your hearts unto the
LORD, and serve Him Only ; and
He will deliver you out of the hand
of your enemies.
Verse. Return unto Him with all
your hearts, and put away the strange
gods from among you.
Answer. And He will deliver you
out of the hand of your enemies.
Second Lesson. ( 4- 8 . )
AND when the time was that
Elkanah offered, he gave to
Peninnah his wife, and to all her
sons and her daughters, portions ;
but unto Hannah he gave one por
tion, sorrowing, for he loved Hannah.
But the LORD had shut up her womb.
Her adversary also provoked her sore,
and made her fret, even unto reviling
her, because that the LORD had shut
up her womb : and as she did so
year by year, when the time came
and they went up unto the Temple
1 Matth. vii. i, 2.
2 The course of the Sacred History is here resumed, after a gap covering many centuries,
probably over three from the colonization of Palestine. (The history of the omitted period is
contained in the Pentateuch and the Books of Joshua and Judges.) The four Books of Kings
contain the history from the birth of Samuel (about B.C. 1170) to the capture of Jerusalem
by the Babylonians (about B.C. 588.) Who composed these Books is unknown.
i Kings (Sam.) vii. 3.
VOL. III.
H 2
222
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
of the LORD, so she provoked her.
Therefore she wept and did not eat.
Then said Elkanah her husband unto
her : Hannah, why weepest thou, and
why eatest thou not ? and why is
thy heart grieved ? Am not I better
to thee than ten sons ?
Second Responsory.
God, Which heareth all, even He
sent His Angel, and took me from
keeping my father s sheep, and
anointed me with the oil of His
mercy.
Verse. l The LORD That delivered
me out of the mouth of the lion, and
out of the paw of the bear,
Answer. And anointed me with
the oil of His mercy.
Third Lesson. (9-11.)
CO Hannah rose up after she had
^ eaten in Shiloh, and after she
had drunk. Now Eli the PRIEST
sat upon a seat before the door
posts of the Temple of the LORD.
And Hannah was in bitterness of
soul, and prayed unto the LORD,
and wept sore ; and she vowed a
vow, and said : O LORD of hosts,
if Thou wilt indeed look upon the
affliction of Thine handmaid, and
remember me, and not forget Thine
handmaid, but wilt give unto Thine
handmaid a man-child, then I will
give him unto the LORD all the
days of his life, and there shall no
razor come upon his head.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me out
of the mouth of the lion, and out of
the paw of the bear He will deliver
me out of the hand of mine enemies.
Verse. 2 God hath sent forth His
mercy and His truth, and delivered
my soul from among the lion s whelps.
Answer. He will deliver me out
of the hand of mine enemies.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. He will deliver me out
of the hand of mine enemies.
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (i. 12-18.)
A ND it came to pass, as she con-
^^ tinued praying before the LORD,
that Eli marked her mouth. Now,
Hannah, she spake in her heart, and
only her lips moved, but her voice was
not heard. Therefore Eli thought she
had been drunken, and said unto her :
How long wilt thou be drunken ?
Cease for a while to soak thyself
with wine. And Hannah answered
and said : No, my lord ; for I am
a woman exceeding sorrowful ; I
have drunk neither wine nor strong
drink, but have poured out my soul
before the LORD. Count not thine
handmaid for a daughter of Belial ; 3
for out of the abundance of my
complaint and grief have I spoken
hitherto. Then Eli said unto her :
Go in peace ; and the God of Israel
grant thee thy petition that thou
hast asked of Him. And she said :
Let thine handmaid find grace in
thy sight.
i Kings (Sam.) xvii. 37.
2 Ps. Ivi. 4, 5.
3 I.e., lit. "the worthless one."
FIRST WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
223
First Responsory.
1 Saul hath slain his thousands,
and David his ten thousands. Be
cause the hand of the Lord was
with him, he smote the Philistine, and
took away the reproach from Israel.
Verse. Is not this David ? Did
they not sing one to another of him
in dances, saying : Saul hath slain
his thousands, and David his ten
thousands ?
Answer. Because the hand of the
Lord was with him, he smote the
Philistine, and took away the re
proach from Israel.
Second Lesson. (18-22.)
OO the woman went her way, and
did eat, and her countenance
was no more sad. And they rose
up in the morning early, and wor
shipped before the LORD ; and re
turned and came to their house in
Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah
his wife, and the LORD remembered
her. Wherefore it came to pass,
when the time was come about, that
Hannah conceived, and bare a son,
and called his name Samuel, 2 be
cause she had asked him of the
LORD. And the man Elkanah and
all his house went up to offer unto
the LORD the solemn sacrifice, and
his vow, but Hannah went not up ;
for she said unto her husband : I
will not go up until the child be
weaned, and then I will bring him,
that he may appear before the LORD,
and there abide for ever.
Second Responsory.
3 Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there
be no dew, neither let there be rain
upon you for there are the mighty
of Israel fallen !
Verse. All ye mountains that stand
round about, the Lord look upon you !
but let Him pass by Gilboa !
Answer. For there are the mighty
of Israel fallen !
Third Lesson. (23-28.)
A 1
ND Elkanah her husband said
unto her : Do what seemeth
thee good, and tarry until thou have
weaned him, and I pray that the
LORD may fulfil His word. So the
woman abode and gave her son suck
until she weaned him. And when she
had weaned him, she took him up
with her, with three bullocks, and
three measures of flour, and a bottle
of wine, and brought him unto the
house of the LORD in Shiloh. And
the child was young. And they slew
a bullock, and brought the child to
Eli. And Hannah said : O, my lord ;
as thy soul liveth, my lord ; I am the
woman that stood by thee here, pray
ing unto the LORD. For this child
I prayed, and the LORD hath given
me my petition which I asked of Him.
Therefore also I have lent him to the
LORD for all the days wherein he
shall be lent unto the LORD. And
they worshipped the LORD there.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD : I took thee 4
out of thy father s house, and ap
pointed thee to be ruler over My
people, over Israel. And I was with
thee whithersoever thou wentest, to
establish thy kingdom for ever.
Verse. And I have made thee a
great name, like unto the name of
the great men that are in the earth ;
1 From the women s song on the death of Goliath. See i Kings (Sam.) xviii. 7, xvii. 26,
i. ii. * I.e., "heard of God."
3 From David s poem on the death of Saul and Jonathan. See 2 Kings (Sam.) i. 21.
4 I.e., David, 2 Kings (Sam.) vii. 8, 9, n, 13.
224
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
and have caused thee to rest from all
thine enemies.
Answer. And I was with thee
whithersoever thou wentest, to estab
lish thy kingdom for ever.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. And I was with thee
whithersoever thou wentest, to estab
lish thy kingdom for ever.
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (ii. 12-14.)
1\T OW the sons of Eli were sons of
^ Belial ; they knew not the
LORD, nor the Priests duty toward
the people : but, when any man offered
sacrifice, the Priest s servant came
while the flesh was in seething, with
a flesh-hook of three teeth in his hand ;
and he struck it into the pan, or kettle,
or cauldron, or pot ; all that the flesh-
hook brought up, the Priest took for
himself. So they did unto all Israel
that came unto Shiloh. 1
First Responsory.
My sins are many, yea, they are
more in number than the sands of the
sea ; I am not worthy to look up to
ward heaven because of the multitude
of my iniquities ; for I have provoked
Thee to anger, and done evil in Thy
sight.
Verse. 2 For I acknowledge my
transgression, and my sin is ever be
fore me, for against Thee only have I
sinned,
Answer. And done evil in Thy
sight.
Second Lesson . (15-17.)
A LSO before they burnt the fat, 3
^"*" the Priest s servant came, and
said to the man that sacrificed : Give
me flesh to cook for the Priest ; for I
will not have cooked flesh of thee, but
raw. And he that sacrificed said unto
him : Let the fat first be burnt this
day, as the custom is ; and then take
as much as thy soul desireth. Then
he answered and said unto him : Nay,
but thou shalt give it me now, and if
not, I will take it by force. Where
fore the sin of the young men was
very great before the LORD, for they
made men to abhor the offering of the
LORD.
Second Responsory.^
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened unto
the prayer of Thy servant, that I
might build a temple unto Thy Name,
O God of Israel, bless Thou, and
hallow this house for ever !
Verse. O Lord, Who keepest cov
enant with Thy servants that walk
before Thee in all their heart.
Answer. O God of Israel, bless
Thou, and hallow this house for ever !
Third Lesson. (18-21.)
T)UT Samuel ministered before the
*-* LORD, being a child, girded with
a linen ephod. 5 Moreover, his mother
made him a little coat, and brought
it to him from year to year, when she
came up with her husband to offer the
solemn sacrifice. And Eli blessed
2 Ps. 1. 5, 6.
1 To see their iniquity, read Lev. vii. 29-37.
s Concerning this accusation see Lev. iii. 3-5, vii. 31.
4 Founded on Solomon s Prayer at the Dedication of the Temple, 3(1) Kings vin. 23.
A thing something like a dalmatic without sleeves. It reached towards the knees.
FIRST WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
225
Elkanah and his wife, and said unto
him : The LORD give thee seed of this
woman, for the loan which thou hast
lent to the LORD. And they went unto
their own home. The LORD there
fore visited Hannah, and she con
ceived, and bare three sons and two
daughters : and the child Samuel
grew before the LORD.
Third Responsory.^
Hearken, O LORD, unto the cry
and to the prayer which Thy servant
prayeth before Thee to-day, that Thine
eyes may be open and Thine ears
attent toward this house day and
night.
Verse. Look down from Thine high
and holy place, O LORD, even from
heaven Thy dwelling,
Answer. Toward this house, day
and night.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Toward this house day
and night.
At the beginning of the Martyrology
is said,
The morrow is the Feast of the
Most Holy Body of Christ.
The next day, being Thursday, is
kept the Feast of Corpus Christi, a
Double of the First Class. It can
not be displaced. If a Feast of a
Doctor of the Church or of the rank of
Greater Double or higher fall on the
same day, it is transferred to the first
unoccupied day after the Octave of
Corpus Christi. Any other Feast so
falling is left unnoticed. The Vespers
071 Wednesday evening are the First
Vespers of Corpus Christi.
i From Solomon s Prayer at the Dedication of the Temple. 2 Par. (Chron.) vi. 40; 3 (i;
Kings viii. 28.
226
of CTorpug firtett
Feast of the Body of Christ.^
Double of tJie First Class.
All as on Sundays except the fol
lowing*
Note. When this Office is used as a
Votive Office out of Paschal-time, the
word " Alleluia " is omitted wherever
it is here given in brackets, [ ], but
when so used within Paschal-time the
aforesaid word is i?iserted whenever
given thus, "* P. T. Alleluia," in
addition to the others. The further
changes required in the Votive Office
are given in a Note at the end?
FIRST VESPERS.
Chapter and Prayer from Lauds.
First Antiphon. 3 Christ the Lord,
being made an High Priest for ever *
after the order of Melchisedec, hath
offered bread and wine. * P. T.
Alleluia.
Second Antiphon. He hath made
His wonderful works to be remem
bered ; * the LORD is [gracious and]
full of compassion. He hath given
meat unto them that fear Him. * P.
T. Alleluia.
Third Antiphon. I
cup of salvation, * and
fice of thanksgiving.
will take the
offer the sacri
* P. T. Alleluia.
Psalm CXV.
I believed, therefore have I spoken,
&c, (p. 185.)
Fourth Antiphon. Let the children
of the Church be like olive-plants *
round about the table of the Lord.
* P. T. Alleluia.
Psalm CXXVII.
Blessed is every one, &c.. (/. 191.)
Fifth Antiphon. The Lord, That
maketh peace in the borders of the
Church, * filleth her with the finest of
the wheat. * P. T. Alleluia.
Psalm CXLVII.
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem, &c.,
(p. 203.)
1 /.., as really present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
2 As to the omission and addition of the Alleluia in the Votive Office the divergence of the
authorities consulted by the translator causes him some uneasiness. In this translation the
sense of the majority is followed.
3 Heb. vi. 20 ; Gen. xiv. 18.
CORPUS CHRISTI.
227
Hymn. 1
QF the glorious Body telling,
O my tongue, Its mystery sing ;
And the Blood, all price excelling,
Which for this world s ransoming
In a noble womb once dwelling
He shed forth, the Gentiles King.
Given for us, for us descending
Of a Virgin to proceed,
Man with man in converse blending
Scattered He the Gospel seed :
Till His sojourn drew to ending
Which He closed in wondrous deed.
At the Last Great Supper seated,
Circled by His brethren s band,
All the Law required, completed,
In the Feast its statutes planned,
To the twelve Himself He meted
For their Food, with His own Hand.
Word made Flesh, by word He maketh
Very bread His Flesh to be ;
Man for wine Christ s Blood partaketh ;
And if senses fail to see,
Faith alone the true heart waketh
To behold the Mystery.
Therefore, we, before It bending,
This great Sacrament adore :
Types and shadows have their ending
In the new rite evermore :
Faith, our outward sense amending,
Maketh good defects before.
Honour, laud, and praise addressing
To the Father and the Son,
Might ascribe we, virtue, blessing,
And eternal benison :
Holy Ghost, from Both progressing,
Equal laud to Thee be done. Amen.
Verse. 2 Thou didst send them
from heaven [Alleluia.]
Answer. Bread able to content
every man s delight [Alleluia.]
Thy children when Thou didst send
them from heaven bread tempering
itself to every man s liking, O Thou,
Who hast filled the hungry with good
things, and the rich, that are proud
in the imagination of their hearts, Thou
hast sent empty away. * [P. T.
Alleluia.]
At Compline and every other Office
throughout the Feast and Octave the
last verse of the Hymn is altered in
honour of the Incarnation, excepting
only the three Hymns proper to the
Feast.
MATTINS.
Invitatory. O come, and let us
worship Christ,
Of all the nations Lord,*
Who doth, to them that feed on Him,
The Bread of Life afford.
* P. T. Alleluia.
Hymn.^
T ET old things pass away ;
Let all be fresh and bright ;
And welcome we with hearts renewed
This Feast of new delight.
Upon this hallowed eve,
Christ with His brethren ate,
Obedient to the olden Law,
The Pasch before Him set.
Which done, Himself entire,
The True Incarnate God,
Alike on each, alike on all,
His sacred Hands bestowed.
He gave His Flesh ; He gave
His Precious Blood ; and said :
" Receive an.d drink ye all of This
For your salvation shed."
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. 3 O Lord, how kindly is Thy
Thus did the Lord appoint
This Sacrifice sublime,
And made His Priests the ministers
Through all the bounds of time.
1 Hymn by St Thomas Aquinas ; translation by the late Dr Neale (two words altered, noble
for generous," as a translation of " generosi " in the ist, and " for for in in the 4 th. )
2 Wisd. xvi. 20. Wisd. xh. i ; xvi. 21.
4 Hymn by St Thomas Aquinas ; translation by the Rev. b. Caswall.
Spirit ! * even Thine, Whose sus
tenance declared Thy sweetness unto
228
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Farewell to types ! henceforth
We feed on Angels Food ;
The slave O, wonder ! eats the Flesh
Of his Incarnate God !
O Blessed Three in One !
Visit our hearts, we pray,
And lead us on through Thine own paths
To Thy eternal day. Amen.
FIRST NOCTURN.
In Paschal-time only one Antiphon,
namely the First, is said at each Noc-
turn.
First Antiphon. The Lord brought
forth His fruit in the season of His
death, * even that fruit whereof if any
man eat, he shall live for ever. 1 * P.
T. Alleluia.
Psalm I.
Blessed is the man, &c., (/. 4.)
Second Antiphon. His faithful ones
which are increased by the fruit of His
corn and His wine * do lay them
down in peace and sleep in Christ.
Psalm IV.
When I called, &c., (p. 206.)
Third Antiphon. 2 Us, being many,
hath the Lord made one body, * for
we are all partakers of that one cup,
which is not the communion of the
blood of bulls, but of God Himself.
Psalm XV.
Preserve me, O Lord, &c., (p. 12.)
Verse. 3 He gave them of the bread
of heaven [Alleluia.]
Answer. Man did eat Angels
bread [Alleluia. ]
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Epistle of the Blessed Apostle Paul
to the Corinthians (xi. 20.)
"\X7"HEN ye come together, there
fore, into one place, this is not
to eat the Lord s Supper. For every
one taketh before his own supper to
eat, and one is hungry, and another
is drunken. What ! have ye not
houses to eat and to drink in ? or
despise ye the Church of God, and
shame them that have not ? What
shall I say to you ? Do I praise you ?
In this I praise you not.
First Responsory.
4 The whole assembly of the children
of Israel shall kill the lamb toward
the evening of the Passover. And
they shall eat the flesh, and unleavened
bread. * P. T. Alleluia.
Verse. 5 Even Christ our Pass
over is sacrificed for us ; therefore let
us keep the feast with the unleavened
bread of sincerity and truth.
Answer. And they shall eat the
flesh, and unleavened bread. * P. T.
Alleluia.
Second Lesson.
IpOR I have received of the Lord
that which also I delivered unto
you, That the Lord JESUS, the same
night in which He was betrayed, took
bread ; and, when He had given
thanks, He brake it, and said : Take,
eat: This is My Body, Which shall
be given for you ; this do in re
membrance of Me. After the same
manner also He took the cup, when
He had supped, saying : This Cup is
the New Testament in My Blood.
This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in
remembrance of Me. For as often as
1 John vi. 51.
4 Exod. xii. 6,
2 i Cor. x. 17 ; Heb. ix. 13, 14.
5 i Cor. v. 7, 8.
3 Ps. Ixxvii. 24, 25.
CORPUS CHRISTI.
229
ye eat this Bread, and drink this Cup,
ye do show the Lord s death till He
come.
Second Responsory.
1 Ye shall eat flesh, and shall be
filled with bread. * This is the bread
which the LORD hath given you to eat.
* P. T. Alleluia.
Verse. 2 Moses gave you not that
Bread from heaven, but My Father
giveth you the true Bread from heaven.
Answer. This is the bread which
the LORD hath given you to eat. *
P. T. Alleluia.
of that meat [forty days and forty
nights] unto the mount of God.
* P. T. Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. And went in the strength
of that meat [forty days and forty
nights] unto the mount of God.
* P. T. Alleluia.
SECOND NOCTURN.
First Antiphon. The Lord remem
ber our offering, * and accept our
burnt-sacrifice. * P. T. Alleluia.
Third Lesson.
whosoever shall
eat this Bread, or drink the
Cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be
guilty of the Body and Blood of the
Lord. But let a man examine himself,
and so let him eat of that Bread, and
drink of that Cup. For he that eateth
and drinketh unworthily, eateth and
drinketh damnation to himself, not
discerning the Lord s Body. For this
cause many are weak and sickly among
you, and many sleep. For if we
would judge ourselves, we should not
be judged. But when we are judged,
we are chastened of the Lord, that
we should not be condemned with the
world.
Third Responsory.
3 Elijah looked, and, behold, there
was a cake baken on the coals at
his head, and he arose, and did eat
and drink ; and went in the strength
of that meat [forty days and forty
nights] unto the mount of God.
* P. T. Alleluia.
Verse. 4 If any man eat of this
Bread, he shall live for ever.
Answer. And went in the strength
Psalm XIX.
The LORD hear thee, c., (p 18.)
Second Antiphon. The Lord pre-
pareth His Table before us * in the
presence of our enemies.
Psalm XXII.
The LORD is my Shepherd, &c.,
(A 47-)
Third Antiphon. Let them that
keep holiday around the table of the
Lord * make the voice of joy and
praise to be heard [in the house of
God.]
Psalm XLI.
As the hart panteth, c., (p. 95.)
Verse. 5 He fed them with the
finest of the wheat [Alleluia.]
Answer. And with honey out of
the Rock did He satisfy them
[Alleluia.]
Fotirth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Ser
mons of St Thomas of Aquino. 6
1 Exod. xvi. 12, 15.
4 John vi. 51.
2 John vi. 32. 3 3 (i) Kings xix. 6,
5 Ps. Ixxx. 17. 6 March 7.
230
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
h or 57^ of his Opuscula, or
Lesser Works.}
""PHE immeasurable benefits, which
the goodness of God hath be
stowed on Christian people, have
conferred on them also a dignity
beyond all price. " For what nation
is there so great, who hath gods so
nigh unto them, as the LORD, our
God, is" unto us? (Deut. iv. 7.)
The Only-begotten Son of God, being
pleased to make us " partakers of
the Divine nature," (2 Pet. i. 4,)
took our nature upon Him, being
Himself made Man that He might
make men gods. And all, as much
of ours as He took, He applied to
our salvation. On the Altar of the
Cross He offered up His Body to
God the Father as a sacrifice for
our reconciliation ; He shed His
Blood as the price whereby He re-
deemeth us from wretchedness and
bondage, and the washing whereby
He cleanseth us from all sin. And
for a noble and abiding memorial
of that so great work of His good
ness, He hath left unto His faithful
ones the Same His very Body for
Meat, and the Same His very Blood
for Drink, to be fed upon under the
appearance of bread and wine.
Fourth Responsory.
1 As they were eating, JESUS took
bread, and blest it, and brake it,
and gave it to the disciples, and
said : Take, eat ; this is My Body.
* P. T. Alleluia.
Verse. 2 The men of my taber
nacle said : O that we had of his
flesh ! w r e cannot be satisfied.
Answer. Take, eat ; this is My
Body. * P. T. Alleluia.
Fifth Lesson.
C\ HOW precious a thing then, how
^^ marvellous, how health-giving,
how furnished with all dainties, is
the Supper [of the Lord !] Than
His Supper can anything be more
precious ? Therein there is put be
fore us for meat, not, as of old
time, the flesh of bulls and of goats,
but Christ Himself, our very God.
Than this Sacrament can anything
be more marvellous ? Therein it
cometh to pass that bread and wine
are bread and wine no more, but in
the stead thereof there is the Body
and there is the Blood of Christ ; 3
that is to say, Christ Himself, Per
fect God and Perfect Man, Christ
Himself is there, under the appear
ance of a little bread and wine.
His faithful ones eat Him, but He
is not mangled ; nay, when [the veil
which shroudeth Him in] this Sac
rament is broken, in each broken
piece thereof remaineth whole Christ
Himself, Perfect God and Perfect
Man. All that the senses can reach
in this Sacrament, [look, taste, feel,
smell, and the like, all these] abide
of bread and wine, but the Thing
is not bread and wine. And thus
room is left for faith ; Christ Who
hath a Form That can be seen, is
here taken and received not only
unseen, but seeming to be bread
and wine, and the senses, which
judge by the wonted look, are war
ranted against error.
Fifth Responsory.
4 JESUS took the cup, after supper,
saying : This cup is the New Testa
ment in My Blood. This do in re
membrance of Me. * P. T. Alleluia.
Verse. My soul hath them 5 still
i Matth. xxvi. 26. 2 Job xxxi. 31.
3 Panis et vinum in Christ! Corpus et Sanguinem substantialiter convertuntur.
4 Luke xxii. 20, 19.
5 Viz. , the affliction and the misery, the wormwood and the gall. See context in Lam. lii. 20.
CORPUS CHRISTI.
231
in remembrance, and is humbled in
me.
Answer. This do in remembrance
of Me. * P. T. Alleluia.
Sixth Lesson.
T
HAN this Sacrament can any
thing be more health - giving ?
Thereby are sins purged away,
strength renewed, and the soul fed
upon the fatness of spiritual gifts.
This Supper is offered up in the
Church both for the quick and
dead ; it was ordained to the health
of all, all get the good of it. Than
this Sacrament can anything be
more furnished with dainties ? The
glorious sweetness thereof is of a
truth such that no man can fully
tell it. Therein ghostly comfort is
sucked from its very well - head.
Therein a memorial is made of
that exceeding great love which
Christ showed in time of His suffer
ings. It was in order that the
boundless goodness of that His
great love might be driven home
into the hearts of His faithful ones,
that when He had celebrated the
Passover with His disciples, and the
last Supper was ended, the Lord
" JESUS, knowing that His hour was
come that He should depart out of
this world unto the Father, having
loved His own which were in the
world, He loved them unto the
end," (John xiii. I,) and instituted
this Sacrament, - - this Sacrament,
the everlasting forth - " showing of
His death until He come " again,
(i Cor. xi. 26,) this Sacrament,
the embodied fulfilment of all the
ancient types and figures, - - this
Sacrament, the greatest miracle which
He ever wrought, and the one mighty
joy of them that now have sorrow,
till He shall come again, and their
John vi. 48-51.
heart shall rejoice, and their joy no
man take from them. (John xvi. 22.)
Sixth Responsory.
1 I am that Bread of life. Your
fathers did eat manna in the wilder
ness, and are dead. This is the
Bread Which cometh down from
heaven, that a man may eat thereof,
and not die.
Verse. I am the living Bread
Which came down from heaven ; if
any man eat of this Bread, he shall
live for ever.
Answer. This is the Bread \Vhich
cometh down from heaven, that a
man may eat thereof, and not die.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. This is the Bread Which
cometh down from heaven, that a
man may eat thereof, and not die.
THIRD NOCTURN.
First Antiphon. I will go unto
the Altar of God ; * I will feed on
Christ, Which is the Renewer of my
youth. * P. T. Alleluia.
Psalm XLII.
Judge me, O God, &c., (p. 105.)
Second Antiphon. The Lord hath
fed us * with the finest of the wheat,
and with honey out of the Rock 2
hath He satisfied us.
Psalm LXXX.
Sing aloud unto God, &c., (p. 140.)
Third Antiphon. It is at Thine
Altar, O Lord, * that we do feed on
Christ, for Whom our heart and our
flesh crieth out.
2 i Cor. x. 4.
232
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON,
Psalm LXXXIIL
How lovely are Thy tabernacles,
&c., (p. 142.)
Verse. x Thou bringest forth food
out of the earth ! [Alleluia.]
Answer. And wine that maketh
glad the heart of man. [Alleluia.]
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to John (vi. 56.)
A T that time : JESUS said unto the
*"* multitudes of the Jews : My
Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood
is drink indeed. And so on.
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
Hippo.] (26th Tract on John.}
By use of meat and drink men
would fain that " they shall hunger no
more, neither thirst any more," (Apoc.
vii. 1 6,) and yet there is but one
Meat and one Drink, Which doth work
in them that feed thereon that " this
corruptible must put on incorruption,
and this mortal put on immortality,"
(i Cor. xv. 53,) namely communion
with that general assembly 2 and
Church of God s holy children, who
are "kept in perfect peace," (Isa. xxvi.
3,) and are "all one," (John xvii. 11,)
fully and utterly. And therefore it is,
as men of God before our time have
taken it, that our Lord JESUS Christ
hath set before us His Body and His
Blood in the likeness of things which,
from being many, are reduced into
one. In one loaf are many grains of
corn, and one cup of wine the juice
of many grapes. And now He giveth
us to know how that which He spake
cometh to pass, and how indeed " this
Man can give us His Flesh to eat,"
and His Blood to drink.
Seventh Responsory.
3 He that eateth My Flesh and
drinketh My Blood, dwelleth in Me,
and I in him. * P. T. Alleluia.
Verse. 4 What nation is there so
great, who hath gods so nigh unto
them, as the LORD our God is to us ?
Answer. Dwelleth in Me, and I
in him. * P. T. Alleluia.
Eighth Lesson.
" LJE that eateth My Flesh, and
1 X drinketh My Blood, dwelleth
in Me, and I in him." To dwell in
Christ, therefore, and to have Him
dwelling in us, is to " eat of that Bread
and drink of that Cup," (i Cor. xi.
28,) and he which dwelleth not in
Christ, and in whom Christ dwelleth
not, without all doubt doth not
spiritually eat His Flesh nor drink
His Blood, although he do carnally
and visibly press the Sacrament with
his teeth ; but, contrariwise, he " eateth
and drinketh damnation to himself,"
because he dareth to draw nigh filthy
to that secret and holy thing of Christ,
whereunto none draweth nigh worthily,
save he which is pure, even he which
is of them concerning whom it is
said : " Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God. (Matth. v. 8.)
Eighth Responsory.
5 As the living Father hath sent Me,
and I live by the Father, so he that
eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.
* P. T. Alleluia.
Verse. 6 With the bread of life
and understanding hath the Lord fed
him.
Answer. So he that eateth Me,
even he shall live by Me. * P. T.
Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
1 Ps. ciii. 14, 15.
4 Deut. iv. 7.
- Heb. xii. 23.
5 John vi. 58.
"&gt; John vi. 57.
6 Ecclus. xv. 3.
CORPUS CHRISTI.
233
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. So he -that eateth Me,
even he shall live by Me. * P. T.
Alleluia.
Ninth Lesson.
"AS the living Father hath sent Me,
** and I live by the Father, so he
that eateth Me, even he shall live by
Me." This is as though He said:
The Father hath sent Me into the
world (John x. 36,) and I have emptied
Myself [and taken upon Me the form
of a servant, and being found in
fashion as a man], (Phil. ii. 7, 8.)
I have My life from the Father, as
One That is greater than I. (John xiv.
28.) He that eateth Me, even he,
by thereby taking part in Me, shall
live by Me. It is as having humbled
Myself (Phil. ii. 8) that I live by the
Father, but he that eateth Me, him
will I raise up, (John vi. 55,) and so
he shall live by Me. It is said : " I
live by the Father ; " that is to say,
He is of the Father, not the Father of
Him, and yet not so, but that the
Father and the Son are co-equal to
gether. Also it is said : " So he that
eateth Me, even he shall live by Me,"
whereby He showeth the gracious work
towards His people of Him Who is
the " one Mediator between God and
man," (i Tim. ii. 5,) and not that He
Which is eaten and he which eateth
Him are co-equal together.
The Hymn, "We praise Thee, O
God, &c.," is said.
LAUDS.
First Antiphon. l Wisdom hath
builded her house, * she hath mingled
her wine, she hath also furnished her
table. [Alleluia.]
Second Antiphon. 2 Thou feddest
Thine Own people * with Angels food,
and didst send them bread from
heaven. [Alleluia.]
Third Antiphon. Out of Christ
His bread shall be fat, * and He shall
yield royal dainties. 3 [Alleluia.]
Fourth Antiphon. 4 The Priests
shall be holy ; * for the offerings [of
the LORD] made by fire, and the bread
of their God, they do offer, [therefore
they shall be holy.] [Alleluia.]
Fifth Antiphon. 5 To him that
overcometh will I give of the hidden
manna, * and will give him a new
name. [Alleluia.]
Chapter, (i Cor. xi. 23.)
TDRETHREN, I have received of
the Lord that which also I de
livered unto you, that the Lord JESUS,
the same night in which He was be
trayed, took bread, and, when He had
given thanks, He brake it, and said :
Take, eat ; this is My Body, Which
shall be given for you : this do in
remembrance of Me.
Hymn. 6
T HE Word of God proceeding forth,
Yet leaving not the Father s side,
And going to His work on earth,
Had reached at length life s eventide.
By a disciple to be given
To rivals for His Blood athirst ;
Himself, the very Bread of heaven,
He gave to His disciples first.
He gave Himself in either kind ;
His Precious Flesh ; His Precious Blood ;
Of flesh and blood is man combined,
And He of man would be the Food.
In Birth, man s Fellow-man was He ;
His Meat, while sitting at the Board ;
He died, his Ransomer to be;
He reigns, to be his Great Reward.
- Wisd. xvi. 20.
1 Prov. ix. i, 2.
3 Adapted from Jacob s blessing on Asher. Gen. xlix. 20.
4 Lev xxi. 6. 5 A P OC - " J 7-
6 Hymn by St Thomas Aquinas ; translation extracted from the " Hymnal Noted."
234
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
O Saving Victim, slain to bless !
Who openest heaven s bright gates to all
The attacks of many a foe oppress ;
Give strength in strife, and help in fall.
To God, the Three in One, ascend
All thanks and praise for evermore ;
He grant the life that shall not end,
Upon the heavenly country s shore.
Amen.
Verse. He maketh peace in thy
borders. [Alleluia.]
Answer. And filleth thee with the
finest of wheat. [Alleluia.]
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
1 I am the living Bread Which came
down from heaven : * if any man eat
of this Bread he shall live for ever.
[Alleluia.]
Prayer throughout the Office.
(~\ GOD, Who under a wonderful
^-^ Sacrament hast left unto us
whereby to show forth thy Suffering
Death, grant unto us, we beseech Thee,
so reverently to handle the Sacred
Mysteries of Thy Body and Thy
Blood that we may alway feel within
ourselves the fruit of Thy Redeeming
Work. Who livest and reignest with
God the Father, in the unity of the
Holy Ghost, one God, world without
end. Amen.
Antiphon. Wisdom, &c. (First
Antiphon at Lauds.}
The Psalms are LIIL and the two
first parts of C XVIII.
In the Short Responsory, instead of
" Thou That sittest, c.," is said,
Verse. Thou That wast born of the
Virgin Mary.
Chapter at the end. (i Cor. xi. 27.)
shall eat this Bread,
or drink this Cup of the Lord
unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body
and Blood of the Lord.
TERCE.
Throughout this Service " Alleluias "
are added as if it were Paschal-time,
but not so when used as a Votive Office
out of Paschal-time.
Antiphon. Thou feddest, &c.,
(Second Antiphon at Lauds.}
Chapter from Lauds.
Short Responsory.
He gave them of the bread of
heaven [Alleluia, Alleluia.]
Answer. He gave them of the bread
of heaven. [Alleluia, Alleluia.]
Verse. Man did eat Angels bread.
Answer. [Alleluia, Alleluia.]
In the Votive Office out of Paschal-
time : " The bread of heaven."
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. He gave them of the
bread of heaven. [Alleluia, Al-
eluia.]
Verse. He fed them with the finest
of the wheat. [Alleluia.]
Answer. And with honey out of
the rock did He satisfy them. [Alleluia.]
SEXT.
Throughout this Service "Alleluias "
are added as if it were Paschal-time,
but not so when used as a Votive Office
out of Paschal-time.
Antiphon. Out of Christ, c.
(Third Antiphon at Lauds.}
1 John vi. 51.
CORPUS CHRISTI.
235
Chapter, (i Cor. xi. 26.)
T^OR as often as ye eat this Bread,
and drink this Cup, ye do show
the Lord s death till He come.
Short Responsory.
He fed them with the finest of the
wheat. [Alleluia, Alleluia.]
Answer. He fed them with the
finest of the wheat. [Alleluia, Alleluia. ]
Verse. And with honey out of the
rock did He satisfy them.
Answer. [Alleluia, Alleluia.]
In the Votive Office out of Paschal-
time : " The finest of the wheat."
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. He fed them with the
finest of the wheat. [Alleluia, Al
leluia.]
Verse. Thou bringest forth food out
of the earth. [Alleluia.]
Answer. And wine that maketh
glad the heart of man. [Alleluia.]
NONE.
Throughout this Service "Alleluias "
are added as if it were Paschal-time,
except when used as a Votive Office out
of Paschal-time.
Antiphon. To him that overcometh,
c., (Fifth Antiphon at Lauds.}
Chapter as at the end of Prime.
Short Responsory.
Thou bringest forth food out of the
earth. [Alleluia, Alleluia.]
Answer. Thou bringest forth food
out of the earth. [Alleluia, Alleluia.]
Verse. And wine that maketh glad
the heart of man.
Answer. [Alleluia, Alleluia.]
1 i Cor. xi, 26,
In the Votive Office out of Paschal-
time : " Out of the Earth."
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Thou bringest forth food
out of the earth. [Alleluia, Alleluia.]
Verse. He maketh peace in thy
borders. [Alleluia.]
Answer. And filleth thee with the
finest of the wheat. [Alleluia.]
SECOND VESPERS.
Alias the First, except the following :
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. Holy exceedingly is the
Supper of the Lord, * wherein we do
feed on Christ, do show His death till
He come, 1 do get grace abundantly to
our souls, and do take pledge of the
glory which shall hereafter be revealed
in us. 2 [Alleluia.]
OFFICE OF CORPUS CHRISTI AS A
VOTIVE OFFICE, IN HONOUR OF
THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT, ON
THURSDAYS.
// is permitted that on all Thurs
days, with certain exceptions, the Office
of Corpus Christi, with certain altera
tions, be said instead of the Office of
the day.
The Thursdays excepted are
(a.} Any Thursday whatsoever upo?i
which Nine Lessons are read, by reason
of any Festal Office, either belonging to
the day or transferred to it.
(&) The Thursdays in Advent,
Lent, and the Octaves of Easter a?id
Pentecost.
(Y.) All Eves.
(d.} Thursdays to which the Sun
day Office may be transferred according
to the Pye. iv. 4, 5.
2 Rom. viii. 18.
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
The alterations in the Office itself
are
(a.} It is semidouble, with the
Common Commemorations at Vespers
and Lauds, and Preces at Compline
and Prime, Its relations to a Simple
Office on Thursday itself, or a Semi-
double or Double Office on Wednesday
or Friday, are arranged hi the same
way as if it were a Semidouble
Festival.
(b.} The saying or omitting of tJic
" Alleluia " is as immediately hereto
fore given in the Office itself.
(c.} The Lessons of the First Noc-
tur7i are from Scripture according to
the Season.
(d. ) The Lessons of the Second Noc-
turn are
In January and February, as on
Saturday within the Octave.
In March and April, as on Sunday
within the Octave.
In May and June, as on Monday
within the Octave.
In July and August, as on Tues
day within the Octave.
In Septeuiber and October, as on
Wednesday within the Octave.
In November and December, as on
the Octave Day.
(e.) The Lessons of the Third Noc-
turn are
In January and February, as 011
Friday within the Octave.
In March and April, as on Satur
day within the Octave.
In May and June, as on Monday
within the Octave.
In July and August, as on Tues
day within the Octave.
In September and October, as on
Wednesday within the Octave.
In November and December, as on
the Octave Day.
N.B. In Paschal-time Prime and
Compline are said in the Paschal
manner.
Sixth Day, within the Octave of the
Feast of the Body of Christ.
All as on the Feast except that the
AntipJions are not doubled and the
following
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Less 07i.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (ii. 27.)
A ND there came a man of God un
to Eli, and said unto him : Thus
saith the LORD : Did not I plainly
appear unto the house of thy father,
when they were in Egypt, in Pharaoh s
house ? And I chose him out of all
the tribes of Israel to be My Priest,
to go up unto Mine Altar, and to burn
incense unto Me, and to wear an ephod
before Me. And I gave unto the
house of thy father all the offerings
made by fire of the children of Israel.
Wherefore kick ye at My sacrifice, and
at Mine offerings which I have com
manded, that they should be offered
in My habitation ? And honourest
thy sons above Me, to make your
selves fat with the chiefest of all the
offerings of Israel, My people ?
Second Lesson.
VyHEREFORE, the LORD God of
Israel saith : I said indeed that
thy house, and the house of thy father
should minister before Me for ever.
But now the LORD saith : Be it far
from Me ; for them that honour Me,
I will honour ; and they that despise
Me shall be lightly esteemed. Be
hold, the days come that I will cut off
thine arm, and the arm of thy father s
house, that there shall not be an old
man in thine house. And thou shalt
see thine enejny, in My habitation, and
WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
237
in all the wealth [which God shall
give] Israel ; and there shall not be an
old man in thine house for ever.
Nevertheless, I will not utterly cut off
every man of thine from Mine altar ;
lest thine eyes fail, and thy soul faint :
but great part of thine house shall die
when they come to man s estate.
Third Lesson.
A ND this shall be a sign unto thee,
that shall come upon thy two
sons, on Hophni and Phinehas : In
one day they shall die both of them.
And I will raise Me up a faithful
Priest, that shall do according to that
which is in Mine heart and in My
mind : and I will build him a sure
house : and he shall walk before Mine
Anointed for ever. And it shall come
to pass that every one that is left in
thine house shall come and crouch to
him for a piece of silver and a morsel
of bread, and shall say : Put me, I
pray thee, into one of the Priest s
offices, that I may eat a piece of
bread.
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Sermons
of St Thomas of Aquino. (Lesser
-works, 57.)
T T serveth well therefore to the
edifying of the faithful to make
memorial of the institution of this so
health - giving and so wonderful a
Sacrament, that we may worship the
unspeakable way by the which the
Divine Presence in-dwelleth in this
Sacrament, Which we see, and may
praise the power of God whereby in
this Sacrament are wrought so many
wonders, yea, and also give God some
of those thanks which we owe unto
Him for this so health-giving gift of
His loving-kindness. It is true that
on the Day of the Supper of the
Lord, 1 on which day we know it to
have been that He ordained this
Sacrament, at the solemn celebration
of the Mass, the memory of the in
stituting thereof is more particularly
mentioned, but all the rest of the
Services on that day deal chiefly with
Christ Suffering, to worshipping of
Whom the Church doth at that sea
son give all her mind.
Fifth Lesson.
1DUT, that the congregation of
Christ s faithful people might
celebrate with an whole Festal Office
all to itself the institution of this so
great Sacrament, Urban IV., Bishop
of Rome, being touched with love to
ward this said Sacrament, hath made
a godly ordinance that the memory
of the said institution should be cele
brated by all the faithful upon the
Fifth Day of the week, next after the
Eighth Day of Pentecost. From one
end of the year to the other we use
this Sacrament to our souls health,
and we more particularly celebrate
the institution thereof at that season
wherein the Holy Ghost taught the
hearts of the disciples to acknowledge
the mysteries thereof, for then it was,
as we read, that "they continued
steadfastly in [the Apostles doctrine
and fellowship, and in] breaking of
Bread, [and in prayers."] (Acts ii.
42.)
Sixth Lesson.
AND, moreover, to the end that on
the aforesaid Thursday, and the
seven days next following, the memory
of this health-giving Institution might
be the more honourably celebrated,
and the Feast thereby be held in
more excellent worship, the above-
Maundy Thursday.
2 3 8
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
named Bishop of Rome, after the
manner of the doles which in Cath
edral Churches are given to such as
come to the singing or saying of the
Canonical Hours by night and day,
hath out of his Apostolic bounty
granted spiritual rewards l to all such
as in their own persons are present
in the Church at the divers Canonical
Hours during all this Festival, thereby
to stir up the faithful to come to the
keeping of this great Feast in greater
eagerness and numbers.
THIRD NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office in Jamt-
ary and February. )
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to John (vi. 56.)
A T that time : JESUS said unto the
"^ multitudes of the Jews : My
Flesh is meat indeed and My Blood
is drink indeed. And so on.
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
Hippo.] ( i Tth Tract on John. )
We have heard from the Gospel the
words of the Lord which follow [those
that formed the subject of my] earlier
discourse. To your ears and under
standings we owe a discourse on these
also, and to-day it becometh very well,
for it is upon that Body of the Lord,
Which He professeth Himself that He
"will give for the life of the world,"
" that a man may eat thereof and not
die." He hath made manifest how
He giveth, and What is His Gift,
where He saith : " He that eateth My
Flesh and drinketh My Blood, dwell-
eth in Me and I in him." The sign
to show whether a man hath or hath
not eaten that Flesh and drunk that
Blood, is whether or not he dwelleth
in Christ and Christ in him, whether
or not he is a guest of Christ and
Christ of his, whether or not he so
cleaveth unto Christ, that Christ be
not parted from him.
Eighth Lesson.
HTHIS hath He taught, and warned
us, by words of deep meaning,
to be in His Body as members whose
Head is He, eating His Flesh, and
cleaving alway to His Oneness.
" Many of His disciples when they
had heard this .... went back, and
walked no more with Him " for they
understood not by " Flesh " any flesh
other than such as they themselves
were made of. The Apostle saith,
(and very true it is) : " To be carnally
minded is death." (Rom. viii. 6.)
The Lord giveth us His Flesh to
eat, and to understand it carnally is
death. Where He saith: "Whoso
eateth My Flesh .... hath eternal
life we. must not understand this
His Flesh carnally, as did they of
whom it is written : " Many of His
disciples " (not His enemies)
" when they heard this, said : This is
an hard saying who can hear it ? "
Ninth Lesson.
T F His disciples took His words for
an hard saying, how did His
enemies take them ? And, neverthe
less, thus it behoved to speak them
if all men were not to understand
them. A Divine mystery ought to
make us thoughtful, not to repel us ;
and yet, when the Lord JESUS Christ
spoke thus in mystery, many of His
disciples went back and walked -no
more with Him. They believed not
that He was speaking of some great
thing, and darkly announcing in these
See these and other Indulgences in the Raccolta, p. no.
WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI,
239
words a bounty. They understood
but as they pleased, even after the
manner of men, that JESUS was able,
or that JESUS meant, to give that
Flesh wherewith the Word is clothed
on, as it were, in slices, to them
that believe on Him. And they said :
" This is an hard saying who can
hear it ? "
The Sabbath within the Octave of the
Feast of the Body of Christ.
All as on the Feast-day, except that
the Antiphons are not doubled, and the
following.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (iii. i.)
A ND the child Samuel ministered
unto the Lord before Eli. And
the word of the LORD was precious
in those days ; there was no open
vision. And it came to pass on a
certain day, when Eli was laid down
in his place, and his eyes began to
wax dim, that he could not see : ere
the lamp of God went out, Samuel
was laid down to sleep in the temple
of the LORD, where the Ark of God
was. And the LORD called Samuel.
And he answered : Here am I. And
he ran unto Eli, and said : Here am
I, for thou calledst me. And he said :
I called not ; go back and sleep. And
he went and slept. And the LORD
called yet again: Samuel. And
Samuel arose, and went to Eli, and
-said : Here am I, for thou didst call
me. And he answered : I called not,
my son ; go back and sleep. Now
Samuel did not yet know the LORD,
neither was the word of the LORD
yet revealed unto him.
Second Lesson.
^ND the LORD called Samuel
again, the third time. And he
arose, and went to Eli, and said :
Here am I, for thou didst call me.
And Eli perceived that the LORD had
called the child, and he said unto
Samuel : Go, and sleep ; and it shall
be, if He call thee, that thou shalt
say: Speak, LORD; for Thy servant
heareth. So Samuel went, and slept in
his place. And the LORD came, and
stood, and called, as at other times :
Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel an
swered : Speak, [ 1 Lord,] for Thy ser
vant heareth. And the LORD said to
Samuel : Behold, I will do a thing in
Israel, at which both the ears of every
one that heareth it shall tingle. In
that day I will perform against Eli
all things which I have spoken con
cerning his house : when I begin, I
will also make an end.
Third Lesson. ( 2 v. 15.)
A ND Samuel slept until the morn
ing, and opened the doors of the
house of the LORD. And Samuel
feared to show Eli the vision. Then
Eli called Samuel, and said : Samuel,
my son, and he answered and said :
Here am I. And he said : What is
the thing that [ 3 the Lord] hath said
unto thee ? I pray thee, hide it not
from me. God do so to thee, and
more also, if thou hide anything from
me of all the things that He said
1 Not in the Hebrew.
2 The omitted verses (13 and 14) are : "For I have told him that I will judge his house for
ever, for the iniquity which he knoweth ; because his sons made themselves vile, and he re
strained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli s
house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever." s N o t i n the Hebrew.
240
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
unto thee. And Samuel told him
every whit, and hid nothing from him.
And he said : It is the LORD ; let
Him do what seemeth Him good.
And Samuel grew, and the LORD was
with him, and did let none of his
words fall to the ground. And all
Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba,
knew that Samuel was established a
Prophet of the LORD.
SECOND NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office in Janu
ary and February. )
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Sermons
of St John Chrysostom [Patriarch of
Constantinople.] (6ist Homily to
the people of Antioch.}
T~) EARLY beloved brethren, it be-
^"^ hoveth us to learn the miracle
of the Mysteries what the Gift is,
and why It was given, and what is the
use thereof. "We, being many, are
one body," saith [the Apostle Paul, (i
Cor. x. 17,) and again] "We are
members of His Body, of His Flesh,
and of His Bones." (Eph. v. 30.)
Only the initiated * will now under
stand what I say. That this union
may take place, not by love only, but
verily and indeed, we ought to mingle
our own with His Flesh. And this is
done by eating that Food Which He
hath given unto us, being fain to
manifest that exceeding great love
which He beareth to us-ward. To
this end He hath mingled Himself
with us, and infused His Body into
our bodies, that we may be one
together, like as the limbs of a man
and his head are all of one body.
Such union do they long for that
love much.
Fifth Lesson.
V\THEN we come back from that
Table we ought to be like so
many lions breathing fire, dreadful to
the devil. Our thoughts ought to be
concentrated on our Great Head and
the love which He showeth us. Many
fathers and mothers there are who
give their children to others to nurse,
but I, saith the Lord to His children,
I am not so, but I feed you with Mine
Own Flesh, and join Myself to you,
fain that ye all should be sons of
noble blood now, and giving you a
noble hope of that which ye shall be
hereafter. I was content to become
your Brother, I for your sakes have
taken unto Me Flesh, and Blood, and
that Flesh and Blood wherein I am
become your Brother, the Same give I
in turn unto you.
Sixth Lesson.
T ET us then, dearly beloved breth-
-* ren, take good heed to ourselves,
as unto the holders of so great mercies,
and when any foul word springeth to
our lips, or we feel anger taking-
possession of us, or the sting of any
other sinful passion, let us call to
mind of What we have been counted
worthy, and let that remembrance still
the unruly motion. As often as we
take that Body, as often as we taste
that Blood, let us think how that we
feed on Him Who is sitting on high,
adored of Angels, at the right hand of
the Eternal Power. Ah me, how
many a way is open to us whereby we
may be saved ! He hath made us His
He hath given His Body to us
and we still are not turned away from
evil!
1 I.e., the baptised, the Church s doctrine on the Eucharist being concealed from the
catechumens.
WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
241
THIRD NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office in March
and April. )
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to John (vi. 56.)
A T that time : JESUS said unto the
^^ multitudes of the Jews : My
Flesh is meat indeed and My Blood is
drink indeed. And so on.
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
Hippo.] (2jtk Tract on Jo/in.}
I have said, my brethren, that what
the Lord hath set before us, in eating
of His Flesh and drinking of His
Blood, is that we should dwell in Him,
and He in us. We dwell in Him
when we are His members, and He
dwelleth in us when we are His
temple. But the bond whereby we
are made His members is oneness ;
and what is the cause of oneness but
love ? And love of God, whence is
it? Ask the Apostle. "The love of
God," saith he, "is shed abroad in
our hearts by the Holy Ghost. Which
is given unto us." (Rom. v. 5.)
Eighth Lesson.
CO "it is the spirit that quickeneth."
It is the spirit that maketh lively
the limbs, nor is the quickening power
of the spirit shed through any limbs
but such as remain in union with the
body whose the spirit is. The spirit
that thou hast in thee, O man, and
whereby thou art a man, doth that
spirit shed life through any limb cut
off from thy flesh? By "spirit," I
mean soul. The soul quickeneth no
limb but such as remain attached to
the body. Cut one off, and the soul
quickeneth it no more, for it is separate
from the oneness of thy body.
Ninth Lesson.
things I say, that we may
love oneness and dread division.
In sooth, there is nothing which a
Christian ought so much to dread, as
to be cut off from the Body of Christ.
If he be cut off from the Body of
Christ, he is no longer a member of
Christ, and the Spirit of Christ no
longer quickeneth him. " Now, if
any man," saith the Apostle, "have
not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of
His." (Rom. viii. 9.)
" It is the Spirit that quickeneth ;
the flesh profiteth nothing : the words
that I speak unto you, they are spirit
and they are life."
" Spirit and life " what meaneth
this ? It is to fee taken spiritually.
Hast thou taken it spiritually ? Then
the words the Lord spake, unto thee
they are spirit and they are life. Hast
thou taken it carnally ? Then the
words of the Lord are still indeed
spirit and life but not for thee.
VESPERS.
All as the First Vespers of the
Feast, except the following.
Chapter and Prayer from the follow
ing Lauds.
Verse. He fed them with the finest
of the wheat. Alleluia.
Answer. And with honey out of
the rock did He satisfy them. Alle
luia.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. The child Samuel ministered
unto God * before Eli, and the word
of the Lord was precious in his sight.
A Commemoration is made of the
Octave, from the Second Vespers of the
Feast.
242
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Seconti Suntmg after
cost.
The Lord^s Day within the Octave of
the Body of Christ.
Semidouble.
All as on the Feast, except that the
Antiphons are not doubled, and the
following.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (iv. i.)
A ND it came to pass in those days
^^ that the Philistines gathered
themselves together to battle. And
Israel went out against the Philistines
to battle, and pitched beside the Stone-
of-help. 1 And the Philistines came to
Aphek, and put themselves in array
against Israel. And when they joined
battle, Israel fled before the Philistines,
and there were smitten in the field in
that battle about four thousand men.
And when the people were come into
the camp, the elders of Israel said :
Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us
to-day before the Philistines ? Let
us fetch the Ark of the covenant of
the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that,
when it cometh among us, it may save
us out of the hand of our enemies.
Second Lesson.
CO the people sent to Shiloh and
*^ took from thence the Ark of the
covenant of the LORD of hosts, Which
dwelleth between the Cherubim : 2 and
the two sons of Eli, Hophni and
Phinehas, were with the Ark of the
covenant of God. And when the Ark
of the covenant of the LORD came
into the camp, all Israel shouted with
a great shout, so that the earth rang
again. And when the Philistines
heard the noise of the shout, they
said : What meaneth the noise of this
great shout in the camp of the He
brews ? And they understood that the
Ark of the LORD was come into the
camp.
Third Lesson.
AND the Philistines were afraid, for
^^ they said : God is come into the
camp. And they groaned and said :
Woe unto us ! for there hath not been
such a shouting yesterday or the day
before. Woe unto us ! who shall de
liver us out of the hand of these
mighty gods ? These are the gods
that smote the Egyptians with all the
plagues in the wilderness. Be strong,
and quit yourselves like men, O ye
Philistines ! that ye be not servants
unto the Hebrews, as they have been
to you : quit yourselves like men, and
fight. And the Philistines fought, and
Israel was smitten, and they fled
every man into his tent ; and there
was a very great slaughter, for there
fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.
And the Ark of God was taken : and
the two sons of Eli, Hophni and
Phinehas, were slain. 3
SECOND NOCTURN.
(Read in tJie Votive Office i?i March
and April. )
1 Viz., near the place where was afterwards erected a "standing stone" so named, between
Mizpeh and Shen. See vii. 1-12.
2 An allusion, if not a reference, to the two figures of these creatures, made of wood plated
with gold, which were on the top of the ark, overshadowing the mercy-seat with their wings.
See Exod. xxv. 10-22.
3 The narrative continues how that a man " with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his
head," came and told Eli at Shiloh : " Israel is fled before the Philistines and there hath been
also a great slaughter among the people and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead
and the Ark of God is taken. And .... when he made mention of the Ark of God, [Eli]
fell from off his seat backward, by the side of the gate ; and his neck brake, and he died."
WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
243
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Sermons
of St John Chrysostom [Patriarch of
Constantinople.] (6oth Homily to
the people of Antioch.}
"THE Word saith : "This is My
Body." This we confess, and
believe, and, with spiritual eyes, do
see. Christ hath not left unto us
Himself in such form as that we can
see, hear, touch, smell, or taste Him ;
and yet hath He left Himself unto
us in things which we can see, hear,
touch, smell, and taste, and which all
men may understand. Thus also is it
in baptism ; by mean of water, which
men perceive outwardly, is given unto
them a gift which they can grasp
only inwardly, that is, a new birth.
If we had no bodies, then would these
things be given us without any out
ward and visible signs, but since we
are here made up of souls and bodies,
there are given unto our souls gifts
which they can grasp, in outward signs
which our bodies may perceive. How
many there be which say : I would
that I could see His comely presence,
His Face, His garments, even His
shoes ! Behold, thou dost see and
touch Him, yea, thou dost feed upon
Him. And wouldest thou behold His
raiment? Lo, He hath given unto
thee not only to behold it, but to
feed upon it, and handle it, and take
it into thyself
Fifth Lesson.
"PO this table of the Lord let none
* dare to draw near with squeam-
ishness or carelessness. Let all be
fiery, all hot, all roused. To the Jews
it was commanded touching the Pas
chal lamb, (Exod. xii. 1 1) : "And thus
shall ye eat it ; with your loins girded,
your shoes on your feet, and your staff
in your hand ; and ye shall eat it in
haste ; it is the LORD S Passover."
But thou needest to be more watchful
than they. They were just about to
travel from Egypt to Palestine, and
therefore they bore the guise of
travellers ; but the journey that lieth
before thee is from earth to heaven.
And therefore it behoveth thee in all
things to be on thy guard, for the
punishment of him that eateth or
drinketh unworthily is no light one
(i Cor. xi. 27.) Bethink thee how
thou art indignant against him which
betrayed, and them that crucified the
Lord ; and look to it well that thou
also be not " Guilty of the Body and
Blood of the Lord." As for them,
they slew His Most Holy Body ; but
thou, after all that He hath done for
thee, dost thrust Him into thy polluted
soul. For His love, it was not enough
to be made Man, to be buffeted, and
to be crucified ; He hath also mingled
Himself with us, by making us His
Body, and that not by faith only, but
verily and indeed.
Sixth Lesson.
/^AN anything be purer than that
^ man ought to be, who eateth of
this great Sacrifice ? Can sun-beam
be clearer than that hand ought to
be which breaketh this Flesh ? that
mouth, which is filled with that spiritual
fire ? that tongue, which is reddened
by that Blood, awful exceedingly?
That whereon the Angels quail to look,
neither dare to gaze steadfastly upon
It, because of the blinding glory that
shineth therefrom, upon This we feed,
with This we become one, and are
made one body of Christ, and one
flesh. "Who can utter the mighty
acts of the LORD ? who can show
forth all His praise?" (Ps. cv. 2.)
Where is the shepherd which feedeth
his flock with his own blood ? Nay,
why should I say, shepherd ? Many
244
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
mothers there be, who after all the
pains of travail, give their own little
ones to strangers to nurse. But so
would not He, but feedeth us with His
Own Blood, and maketh us to grow up
in His Own substance.
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Luke (xiv. 16.)
A T that time : JESUS spake unto
^* the Pharisees this parable : A
certain man made a great supper, and
bade many. And so on.
Homily by Pope St Gregory [the
Great.] (36^ upon the Gospels. ]
Dearly beloved brethren, between
the dainties of the body and the
dainties of the mind there is this
difference, that the dainties of the
body, when we lack them, raise up
a great hunger after them, and when
we devour them, straightway our ful
ness worketh in us niceness. But
about the dainties of the mind we are
nice while as yet we lack them, and
when we fill ourselves with them, then
are we an-hungered after them, and
the more, being an-hungered, we feed
thereon, the more are we an-hungered
thereafter. In the bodily dainties,
the hunger is keener than the fulness,
but in the spiritual the fulness is keener
than the hunger. In the bodily,
hunger gendereth fulness, and fulness
niceness ; in the spiritual, hunger in
deed gendereth fulness, but fulness
gendereth hunger.
Eighth Lesson.
CPIRITUAL dainties, in the very
eating, do stir up the keenness of
hunger in the mind which they fill,
1 Luke xiv. 16, 17.
for, the more we taste their sweetness,
the better we know how well they de
serve to be loved ; and, if we taste
them not, we cannot love them, for
we know not how sweet they be. And
who can love that whereof he knoweth
nothing ? Hence saith the Psalmist :
" O taste and see that the LORD is
good," (Ps. xxxiii. 9,) that is, as it
were, "If ye taste not, ye shall not
see His goodness : but let your heart
once taste the bread of life, and then
indeed, having tasted and proved His
sweetness, ye shall be able to love
Him." But these were the dainties
which man lost when he sinned in
Eden, and when he had shut his own
mouth against the sweet bread whereof
if any man eat he shall live for ever,
he forsook paradise.
Eighth Responsory.
1 A certain man made a great
supper, and sent his servant at supper-
time to say to them that were bidden :
Come, for all things are now ready.
Verse. " 2 Come, eat of my bread,
and drink of the wane which I have
mingled for you.
Answer. For all things are now
ready.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. For all things are now
ready.
Ninth Lesson.
A ND we that, from the first man,
^^ are born under the afflictions of
this pilgrimage, are come into the
world smitten with niceness ; we know-
not what we ought to want, and the
disease of our niceness groweth the
worse, as our soul draweth itself the
more away from that bread of sweet
ness. We are no longer an-hungered
- Prov. ix. 5.
WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
2 45
after inward dainties, since we have
lost the use of feeding on them. And
so in our niceness we starve, and the
sickness of long famishing maketh
prey of our health. We will not eat
of that inward sweetness which is
made ready for us, and being en
amoured only of things outward we
sink into the wretchedness of loving
starvation.
LAUDS.
Chapter, (i John iii. 13.)
jyTARVEL not, my brethren, if the
world hate you. We know that
we have passed from death unto life,
because we love the brethren.
Verse. He gave them of the bread
of heaven Alleluia.
Answer. Man did eat Angels
bread Alleluia.
Antipho?i at the Song of Zacharias.
A certain man made a great supper, *
and bade many ; and sent his servant
at supper -time to say to them that
were bidden : Come, for all things are
now ready.
Prayer throitghout the day.
Q LORD, Who never failest to help
and govern them whom Thou
dost bring up in Thy steadfast fear and
love ; keep us, we beseech Thee,
under the protection of Thy good
providence, and make us to have a
perpetual fear and love of Thy Holy
Name ; through our Lord JESUS Christ,
Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end. Amen.
A Commemoration of Corpus Christi
is made, taken from the Lauds of the
Feast.
VOL. III.
Chapter at the end of Prime. ( \
John iii. 1 8.)
jyr Y little children, let us not love in
word, neither in tongue, but in
deed, and in truth.
At Terce, Chapter from Lauds.
Chapter at Sex t. (i John iii. 16.)
JLJEREBY perceive we the love of
God, because He laid down His
life for us ; and we ought to lay down
our lives for the brethren.
Chapter at None as at the end of
Prime.
VESPERS.
All as at the First Vespers of Corpus
Christi, except the following.
Chapter and Prayer froin Lauds.
Verse. He fed them with the finest
of the wheat Alleluia.
Answer. And with honey out of the
rock did He satisfy them Alleluia.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. Go out quickly into the
streets * and lanes of the city, and
compel the poor and the maimed,
and the halt, and the blind, to come
in : that my house may be full
Alleluia.
Commemoration of Corpus Christi
from the Second Vespers of the Feast.
(fllonfcap nrif#m
of
Second Day, within the Octave of the
Feast of the Body of Christ.
Semidouble.
All as on the Feast except that the
Antiphons are not doubled and the
following.
246
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (v. I.)
AND the Philistines took the Ark
of God, and brought it from the
Stone-of-help unto Ashdod. When the
Philistines took the Ark of God, they
brought it into the house of Dagon,
and set it by Dagon. 1 And when they
of Ashdod arose early on the morrow,
behold, Dagon was fallen upon his
face to the earth before the Ark of the
LORD. And they took Dagon, and
set him in his place again. And when
they arose early on the morrow morn
ing, behold, Dagon was fallen upon
his face to the ground before the Ark
of the LORD ; and the head of Dagon,
and both the palms of his hands were
cut off upon the threshold ; only the
stump of Dagon was left to him. 2
Second Lesson.
T3UT the hand of the LORD was
^ heavy upon them of Ashdod, and
He destroyed them ; and the farms
and the fields in all that coast brake
forth ; 3 and mice were begotten ; and
there was confusion in the city, a great
destruction. And when the men of
Ashdod saw the plague, they said :
The Ark of the God of Israel shall
not abide with us, for His hand is
sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.
They sent therefore, and gathered all
the lords of the Philistines unto them,
and said : What shall we do with the
Ark of the God of Israel? And they
of Gath answered : Let the Ark of
the God of Israel be carried about
unto Gath.
Third Lesson.
AND they carried the Ark of the
God of Israel about thither.
And it was so, that when they carried
it about, the hand of the LORD was
against every one of their cities with a
very great destruction, and He smote
the men of every city, both small and
great. Therefore they sent the Ark of
God to Ekron. And it came to pass,
as the Ark of God came to Ekron,
that the Ekronites cried out, saying :
They have brought about the Ark of
the God of Israel to us, to slay us and
our people. So they sent and gathered
together all the lords of the Philistines
and said : Send away the Ark of the
God of Israel, and let it go again to
his own place, that it slay us not, and
our people. For there was an horror
of death in all the cities, and the hand
of God was very heavy there.
SECOND NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office in May
and June.}
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Sermons
of St John Chrysostom [Patriarch
of Constantinople.] (Continuation
of the both Homily.}
T N this mysterious Sacrament Christ
doth mingle Himself with all and
each of His faithful ones. They are
His children, and He nurseth them
Himself, and giveth them not over
unto another, herein again assuring us
that the Flesh He hath taken unto
Himself is ours. We then, who have
been deemed meet to be treated with
such love and such honour, let us be
wakeful ! See ye not how eagerly the
sucklings seize on the breasts, how
1 An idol, with the head and hands of a man, and the rest of his body that of a fish.
2 Here it is added in the original : " Therefore neither the priest of Dagon, nor any that come
into Dagon s house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day."
3 According to the present Hebrew text, which here differs much from the Latin, the mean
ing is that the inhabitants were seized with the disease called Haemorrhoids.
WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
247
readily they fix their mouths on the
paps ? Let us, with like eagerness,
draw nigh to that Table, and suck at
that spiritual Cup. Yea, let us prize
that gracious Food as the suckling-
doth its mother s breast, and hold it
the great woe of life to be cut off
from that Banquet. Here there are
set before us no works of man s
power ; He That worked at that Last
Supper, the Same worketh the same
here still. As for us Priests, we hold
the place of His ministers, but He
Which halloweth and changeth is He.
Hither let there draw nigh no Judas,
nor covetous one this is no Table
for him. But he which is Christ s
disciple, let him come ; for the Lord
saith : " I will keep the Passover with
My disciples," (Matth. xxvi. 18.) This
is that Passover Table, and it is all
Christ s what is wrought there is not
some of it Christ s work, and some
of it man s work, but it is all His
work and not another s.
Fifth Lesson.
TT ITHER let there draw nigh none
brutal, none cruel, none merci
less ; in good sooth, none unclean. I
speak to all that take that Holy Com
munion, and to you also, O ye that do
administer the same ! To you now I
turn my speech, to warn you with how
great care that Gift is to be given.
No slight vengeance is that which
awaiteth you if ye admit for a par
taker at the Lord s Table the sinner
whose guiltiness ye know. At your
hands will his blood be required. If
a man be a General, a Governor, a
crowned Monarch, yet if he come
there unworthily, forbid him ; thou
hast greater power than he. To this
end hath God exalted you to the
honour ye hold, that ye may judge
in such matters. This office is your
dignity, this is your strength, this is
all your crown, this, and not the going
about in white robes and glittering-
vestments. And thou, O layman !
when thou seest the Priest making
the oblation, think not that He Which
is then the real Worker is such a
Priest as thou seest, but know of a
surety that it is Christ s Hand Which
is stretched out, albeit unseen by thee.
Sixth Lesson.
TET us hear, all of us, both Priests
and laymen, let us hear What
Food it is whereof we are made worthy
let us hear, I say, and let us quake.
The Lord satisfied! us with His Own
holy Flesh, setting Himself slain be
fore us. What excuse therefore shall
we have, if, being so fed as we are,
we sin as we do ? If, eating of the
Lamb, we are still wolves ? If, pas
tured as the sheep of the flock, we
raven like lions ? This mysterious
Sacrament forbiddeth unto us not out
rage only, but any the least enmity ;
it is the Mystery of peace. Upon
the Jews God laid it to make year by
year by solemn festivals a yearly com
memoration of His mercies unto them,
but upon thee to do this in remem
brance of His love to thee, day by
day. To this Table then let there
draw nigh no Judas Iscariot, no Simon
Magus. These men fell through cove-
tousness ; let us fly that bottomless pit.
THIRD NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office in May
and June. ,)
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to John (vi. 56.)
A T that time : JESUS said unto the
^^ multitudes of the Jews : My
Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood
is drink indeed. And so on.
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
H ippo. ] ( 2 6tk Tract on John. )
248
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
" This is the bread which cometh
down from heaven," (v. 50.) By
" this bread " the Lord here signifieth
both the manna, and That Which we
receive at the Altar of God. Both
these are, as it were, Sacramental
signs, differing indeed somewhat in
their outward and visible part, but
pointing to the Same Thing signified.
Hear what the Apostle saith : " More
over, brethren, I would not that ye
should be ignorant how that all our
fathers were under the cloud, and all
passed through the sea, and were all
baptized unto Moses in the cloud and
in the sea, and did all eat the same
spiritual meat." (i Cor. x. 1-3.)
This meat was the same spiritually
but not really ; they ate manna we
eat Something else. Spiritually they
ate What we eat ; but our fathers
not their fathers ; unto whom we are
like not unto whom they are like.
And it is added: "And did all drink
the same Spiritual drink." They
drank one thing, and we drank An
other, the difference being in the outer
show, the sameness in that the Same
Thing is pointed to by both. And
what was that Same Drink? "They
drank of the spiritual Rock that fol
lowed them, and that Rock was
Christ." Him did bread and rock
alike signify. The Rock was a figure,
but by the Word and in the Flesh
there is the very Christ Himself. And
how came they to drink of that rock ?
" Moses lift up his hand, and with
his rod he smote the rock twice,
and the water came out abundantly."
(Num. xx. 11.) These two strokes
of the rod upon the rock are a
figure of the two beams whereof the
Cross was made.
Eighth Lesson.
/CHRIST S faithful ones discern the
v - x Lord s Body while they remain
watchful members of His Body. They
remain members of His Body as long
as they will to live according to His
Spirit. The Spirit of Christ giveth
life to nothing but the body of Christ.
Now, my brethren, understand what
I am going to say. Thou art a man,
and hast a body and a spirit. By
spirit I mean the soul, which causeth
thee to be a man at all. Thou art a
man, made up of soul and body.
Thy spirit is unseen, thy body seen.
Tell me, which of them is it which
giveth animation to the other ? Doth
thy spirit derive animation from thy
body, or thy body from thy spirit ?
Every one who liveth will answer
for if any one cannot answer this, I
know not if he be alive. What will
whosoever hath life answer ? " Ver
ily, it is my spirit which doth animate
my body." Wilt thou then live by
the Spirit of Christ ? Be of the Body
of Christ.
Ninth Lesson.
T S it not my spirit which doth ani
mate my body ? My spirit doth
animate my body, and thy spirit doth
animate thy body. The Body of
Christ liveth not save by the Spirit
of Christ. Hence it is that the
Apostle Paul saith, touching this
Bread : " \Ve, being many, are one
bread, and one body, for we are all
partakers of that one Bread." (i
Cor. x. 17.) O what a Sacrament of
love ! O what a seal of union ! O
what a bond of charity ! He that
willeth to live hath here where to
live, and whence to live. Let him
come near, let him believe, let him
enter into that Body, that he may
be quickened. Let him not sever
himself from the fit joining-together of
all the members ; let him not be as
a mortifying limb, that must needs be
cut off, nor a mis-shapen limb, a cause
to blush. Let him be goodly, and
useful, and healthy. Let him cleave
WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
249
unto the body ; let him live by God
to God ; let him labour now on earth,
that he may reign hereafter in heaven.
Third Day within the Octave of the
Feast of the Body of Christ.
Semidouble,
All as on the Feast except that the
Antiphons are not dotibled, and the fol
lowing,
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (vi. I.)
A ND the Ark of the LORD was in
the country of the Philistines
seven months, and the Philistines
called for the priests and the diviners,
saying : What shall we do to the
Ark of the LORD ? Tell us wherewith
we shall send it to his place. And
they said : If ye send away the Ark
of the God of Israel, send it not
empty ; but in any wise return Him
a trespass-offering ; then shall ye be
healed, and it shall be known to you
why His hand is not removed from
you. 1
Second Lesson.
VWHEREFORE do ye harden your
hearts, as the Egyptians and
Pharaoh hardened their hearts ?
When he was smitten, did he not let
the people go, and they departed ?
Now, therefore, take, and make a
new cart, and two milch kine, on
which there hath come no yoke ; tie
the kine to the cart, and shut up
their calves at home. And take the
Ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the
cart, and put the jewels of gold, which
ye return Him for a trespass-offering,
in a coffer by the side thereof; and
send it away that it may go. And
see ; if it goeth up by the way of his
own coast to Beth-shemesh, then He
hath done us this great evil ; but if
not, then we shall know that it is not
His hand that smote us it was a
chance that happened to us. And
the men did so.
Third Lesson.
A ND the kine took the straight way
to the way of Beth-shemesh, and
went along the highway, lowing as
they went, and turned not aside to the
right hand nor to the left ; and the
lords of the Philistines went after them
unto the border of Beth - shemesh.
And they of Beth-shemesh were reap
ing their wheat-harvest in the valley ;
and they lifted up their eyes, and saw
the Ark, and rejoiced to see it. And
the cart came into the field of Joshua,
a Beth - shemite, and stood there
where there was a great stone. And
they clave the wood of the cart, and
offered the kine upon it, a burnt-offer
ing unto the LORD. And the Levites
took down the Ark of God.
SECOND NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office in July
and August.}
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Letter
written to Caecilius by the Holy
Martyr Cyprian, Bishop [of Car
thage.] (Bk. ii. Ep. 3.)
T N the deed of the Priest Melchise-
dek we see a type of the Sacra
ment of the Lord s Sacrifice. For
1 The two next verses contain a recommendation to send with the Ark, as a trespass-offering,
certain objects made of gold.
250
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
thus it is written in the writings of
God : " And Melchisedek King of
Salem brought forth bread and wine :
for he was the Priest of the Most
High God : and he blessed " Abraham.
(Gen. xiv. 18.) That Melchisedek
was a type of Christ, the Holy Ghost
Himself doth testify in the Psalms,
where the First Person of the Holy
Trinity, even the Father, is set before
us as saying unto the Second Person,
that is, the Son : " Before the day-
star have I begotten Thee. . . . Thou
art a Priest for ever, after the order of
Melchisedek." (cix. 3, 4.) And
verily that sameness of order cometh
of this sacrifice, and proceedeth from
this, that Melchisedek was the Priest
of the Most High God ; that he
offered bread and wine ; and that he
blessed Abraham.
Fifth Lesson.
Priest of the Most High
God is there, more so than is
our Lord JESUS Christ ? He Who
hath made an offering unto God the
Father, and the same offering that
Melchisedek made, bread and wine,
that is to say, His Own Flesh and His
Own Blood. And, as touching Abra
ham, that ancient blessing was spoken
likewise by fore-knowledge upon us.
For if Abraham believed God and it
was accounted to him for righteous
ness, verily, whosoever believeth God
and liveth by faith, the same is found
righteous, and is shown unto us that
he is already blessed in faithful Abra
ham, and justified as the Apostle
Paul proveth, where he saith :
"Abraham believed God and it was
accounted unto him for righteousness.
Know ye therefore that they which
are of faith, the same are the children
of Abraham. And the Scripture, fore
seeing that God would justify the
heathen through faith, preached before
the Gospel unto Abraham, saying :
In thee shall all nations be blessed."
(Gal. iii. 6-8.)
Sixth Lesson.
T N Genesis, therefore, in order that
the Priest Melchisedek might in
due order pronounce the blessing upon
Abraham, there was first offered a
typical sacrifice, consisting of bread
and wine. This was the offering
which our Lord JESUS Christ com
pleted and fulfilled, when He offered
up bread and a cup of wine mingled
[with water]. This fulfilment by Him
Who came to fulfil (Matth. v. 17,)
utterly satisfied the truth of the image
which had gone before. The Holy
Ghost doth by Solomon also clearly
foreshadow, as it were in a parable,
the Lord s Sacrifice, pointing to the
victim slain, and the bread and the
wine, and the Altar likewise, and the
Apostles ; as it is written : "Wisdom
hath builded her house, she hath
hewn out her seven pillars ; she hath
killed her beasts, she hath mingled
her wine, she hath also furnished her
table. She hath sent forth her
servants, she crieth upon the highest
places of the city, saying : Whoso
is simple, let him turn in hither unto
me. As for them that want under
standing, she saith to them. Come,
eat of my bread, and drink of the
wine which I have mingled for you."
(Prov. ix. 1-5.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office in July
and August. ]
Seve7ith Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to John (vi. 56.)
WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
251
AT that time: JESUS said unto the
multitudes of the Jews : My
Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood
is drink indeed. And so on.
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
Hippo.] (26th Tract on John.}
" Not as your fathers did eat
manna, and are dead." Wherefore
did they eat and die ? Because they
believed only that which they saw ;
and that which they saw not, they
understood not. Therefore were they
your fathers, because ye are like unto
them. Doth this death, my brethren,
mean that death which is outward and
bodily ? And do not we also die, who
eat of that Bread Which cometh down
from heaven ? That death died they,
and so shall we also, as far, as I have
said, as is meant that death which is
outward and bodily.
EightJi Lesson.
"DUT the death whereof the Lord
doth sound the alarm, the death
that their fathers died, is another death
than that which is outward and bodily.
Moses ate manna, Aaron ate manna,
Phinehas ate manna, many ate manna
in whom the Lord was well pleased
and these are not dead. Wherefore ?
Because they understood spiritually
that outward bread, spiritually hun
gered thereafter, spiritually tasted
thereof, and spiritually were satisfied
therewith. So also do we this day
feed on a visible food, but the Sacra
ment is one thing, and the grace of
the Sacrament is another.
Ninth Lesson.
that eateth and drinketh unworthily]
eateth and drinketh damnation to
himself." (i Cor. xi. 29.) Is it not
written: "When JESUS had dipped
the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot,
the son of Simon, and after the sop
Satan entered into him ? " (John xiii.
26, 27.) And yet he took it. And
when he had eaten it, the enemy
entered in and possessed him. Not
because what he ate was evil, but
because he, being evil, dared to eat
that which was good. Look to it
well, then, brethren, that ye take
spiritually the Bread Which cometh
down from heaven. Bring innocency
with you to the Altar. Though your
sins be daily, let them not be deadly.
Before ye draw near to the Altar,
think well what it is that ye say :
" Forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us."
" For, if ye forgive men their tres
passes, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you " (Matth. vi. 14) and ye
may draw near boldly, for unto you It
is Bread, and not poison.
Fourth Day within the Octave of the
Feast of the Body of Christ.
Semidouble.
All as on the Feast, except that the
Antiphons are not doubled, and the
following.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (vi. 19.)
(~\ HOW many there be which re- A ND [the Lord] 1 smote the men of
^ ceive at the Altar, and die, yea, ^"^ Beth-shemesh, because they had
die even in the very receiving ! looked into the Ark of the LORD, even
Whence the Apostle saith : "[He He smote of the people three-score
1 I venture to substitute this for " He," for the sake of clearness. Latin : Percussit autem de
viris, &c.
252
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
and ten men and fifty thousand of the
people. And the people lamented,
because the LORD had smitten many
of the people with a great slaughter.
And the men of Beth-shemesh said :
Who is able to stand before this Holy
LORD God ? and to whom shall He
go up from us ? And they sent
messengers to the inhabitants of
Kirjath-jearim, saying : The Philistines
have brought again the Ark of the
LORD ; come ye down, and fetch it
up to you. (vii. I.) And the men
of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched
up the Ark of the LORD, and brought
it into the house of Abinadab at
Gibeah. And they sanctified Eleazar
his son to keep the Ark of the LORD.
Second Lesson.
A ND it came to pass that from the
^^ day that the Ark of the LORD
came to abide in Kirjath-jearim, the
time waxed long, until it was already
the twentieth year that it had abode
there. And all the house of Israel
lamented after the LORD. And
Samuel spake unto all the house of
Israel, saying : If ye do return unto
the LORD with all your hearts, then
put away the strange gods from among
you, the Baalim and the Ashtaroth, 1
and prepare your hearts unto the
LORD, and serve Him only ; and He
will deliver you out of the hand of
the Philistines. Then the children of
Israel did put away the Baalim and
the Ashtaroth, and served the LORD
only.
Third Lesson.
AND Samuel said : Gather all
Israel to Mizpeh, and I will
pray for you unto the LORD. And
they gathered to Mizpeh, and drew
water, and poured it out before the
LORD, and fasted on that day, and
said there : We have sinned against
the LORD. And Samuel judged the
children of Israel in Mizpeh. And
when the Philistines heard that the
children of Israel were gathered to
gether to Mizpeh, the lords of the
Philistines went up against Israel.
And when the Children of Israel heard
it, they were afraid of the Philistines.
And they said to Samuel : Cease not
to cry unto the LORD our God for us,
that He will save us out of the hand
of the Philistines.
SECOND NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office in Septem
ber and October. )
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
upon the Sacraments written by St
Ambrose, 2 Bishop [of Milan.] (Bk.
iv. ch. 4.)
A1THO invented the Sacraments but
VV the Lord JESUS ? The Sacra
ments came down from heaven, for
all counsel is from heaven. Never
theless, it was a great and wonderful
work of God when He rained down
manna upon His people, and the people
laboured not, and yet were fed. Per
chance, thou sayest : Here, it is my
bread which is used. But that bread
is bread only till the Sacramental words
are spoken ; at the Consecration, in
stead of bread, there cometh to be
the Body of Christ. This therefore
let us establish. How cometh it that
that which was bread becometh the
I.e., shrines and images of Baal and Astarte" a couple of idols, respectively male and
female, much in vogue in Syria. What they represented is not quite agreed. Gesenius thinks
they were meant for the planets Jupiter and Venus, but Baal (that is, Lord) sometimes means
the sun. The worship of the female deity, who was worshipped as reigning over lust, consisted
mostly of acts of studied impurity almost incredible to Christian ears.
- Pseudo-Ambrose.
WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
253
Body of Christ ? Through the Con
secration. And in what words and
in Whose language doth the Con
secration take place ? In those of
the Lord JESUS. All the other things
which are said [in the Liturgy], the
ascription of praise to God [in the
Preface], the prayer for the people,
for kings, and for others which formeth
the first part [of the Canon, these are
put in the mouth of the Priest.] But
when that point is reached when this
worshipful Sacrament is to be con
secrated, then the Priest useth no more
his own words, but Christ s.
Fifth Lesson,
T T is the word of Christ, therefore,
which doth the needful work in
this Sacrament. And what is the word
of Christ ? It is the word of Him at
Whose bidding all things were made.
The Lord commanded, and the
heavens were created ; the Lord com
manded, and the earth was formed ;
the Lord commanded, and the seas
were made ; the Lord commanded,
and all creatures sprang into being.
Thou seest, then, how mightily-work
ing a word is the word of Christ. If
then the word of Christ hath such
power that it can make that to be
which hath never been, wherein doth
it appear greater that it maketh one
thing to be changed into Another ?
There was once no heaven ; there was
once no sea ; there was once no earth.
But hear him who saith : " He spake,
and it was done ; He commanded, and
it stood fast." (Ps. xxxii. 9.) If,
then, I am to answer thee, I tell thee,
that before the Consecration it is not
the Body of Christ, but after the Con
secration it is the Body of Christ,
for Himself "hath spoken, and it is
done ; He hath commanded, and it
standeth fast."
Sixth Lesson, (ch. 5.)
A ND now I come back to my text.
It is indeed a great and wor
shipful fact that manna was rained
down upon the Jews ; but, think thou,
which was the more great and wor
shipful, the manna from heaven or
the Body of Christ the Body of that
Same Christ by Whom the heavens
were made ? And, again ; the fathers
" did eat manna, and are dead ; he
that eateth of this Bread," (John vi.
58,) It is unto him "the remission of
sins," (Matth. xxvi. 28,) and "he shall
never die." (John xi. 26.) 1 There
fore it is not idly that, when thou
art a-receiving, thou sayest : "Amen "
testifying in thine heart that That
Which thou art taking is the Body
of Christ. The Priest saith unto
thee : " The Body of Christ ! "and
thou answerest : "Amen" that is
to say : "It is true." What then
thy tongue confesseth, let thine heart
hold to.
THIRD NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office i?i Septem
ber and October. )
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to John (vi. 55.)
A T that time : JESUS said unto the
^^ multitudes of the Jews : My
Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood
is drink indeed. And so on.
Homily by St Hilary, Bishop [of
Poitiers.] 2 {Bk. viii. on the Trinity.}
1 The next words relate to the form of words used in administering the Holy Communion
where and when the writer lived. The translator believes it to be the same still in use in
Abyssinia. ~ Jan. 14.
VOL. III. I 2
254
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
When we speak concerning the
things of God, we must not speak after
the manner of men, nor after the
manner of the world. Let us read
those things which are written, and
understand those things which we
read ; and then let us act as having
a perfect faith. We shall speak but
folly and godlessness if we speak con
cerning the natural truth of Christ in
us; and have not learnt at Christ s
School how we should speak. He
Himself saith : " My Flesh is meat
indeed, and My Blood is drink in
deed. He that eate.th My Flesh
and drinketh My Blood, dwelleth
in Me, and I in him." There is
here no room left for doubt as
to What is His Flesh and what is
His Blood. 1
Eighth Lesson.
T^OR now we know by the declara-
tion of the Lord Himself and by
[the teaching of] our Faith, the reality
of His Flesh and Blood. And when
we eat the One and drink the Other,
They work effectually in us to make
us dwell in Him and He in us. Is
not this a reality ? Surely it befalleth
not them to find it true, who deny that
Christ JESUS is Very God. He is in
us by means of His Flesh, and we are
in Him when that which we are is
with Him in God. That we dwell in
Him through that Sacrament wherein
His Flesh and Blood are given unto
us, He Himself doth testify, where
He saith : " Yet a little while, and
the world seeth Me no more ; but
ye see Me ; because I live ye shall
live also. [At that day ye shall
know that] I am in My Father, and
ye in Me, and I in you." (John xiv.
19, 20.)
Ninth Lesson.
T)UT that this union in us is a real
one, He testifieth thus : " He
that eateth My Flesh and drinketh My
Blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him."
For no one dwelleth in Him in whom
He doth not dwell, since he which
receiveth [the Body of Christ] hath
but received that Flesh of [the same
nature as] his own, which Christ hath
taken into Himself. The mystery of
this perfect union He had taught be
fore, when He said : " As the living
Father hath sent Me, and I live by
the Father, so, he that eateth Me,
even he shall live by Me." He there
fore liveth by the Father, and, as He
liveth by the Father, so shall we live
by Him.
Vespers are the same as the First
Vespers of the Feast.
If a Common Double Feast fall on
this day it is only commemorated.
Octave of Corpus Christi,
The Eighth Day of the Feast of the
Body of Christ.
Double.
All as on the Feast-day except the
following.
SECOND NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office in Novem
ber and December.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Sermons
of the Blessed Patriarch of Jerusa
lem, Cyril. 2 (Catechetical Lectures,
4-)
1 De veritate carnis et sanguinis non relictus est ambigendi locus.
2 Elected A.D. 350. Suffered much persecution from the Arians, and died March 18, 386.
OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
255
"THE teaching of the blessed Paul
seemeth of itself enough instruc
tion for you concerning those Divine
Mysteries, whereof, if ye be made
worthy, ye become therein, so to
speak, of one Body and of one Blood
with Christ. Paul saith that our Lord
JESUS Christ, " the same night in
which He was betrayed, took bread ;
and, when He had given thanks, He
brake it, and gave it unto His dis
ciples, saying : Take, eat ; this is My
Body. . . . After the same manner
also He took the cup," and gave
thanks, "and said:" Take this, and
drink it ; this is My Blood. Since
therefore it is He Who hath definitely
stated and said, touching that Bread :
" This is My Body " who will dare
any longer to doubt that It is so ?
And since it is He again that hath
absolutely affirmed and said, touching
that cup : " This is My Blood " who
is he that will doubt any longer, or
say that It is not His Blood ?
Fifth Lesson.
A T the beginning of His ministry, at
f^ Cana in Galilee, the Lord turned
water into wine, a thing which hath
some qualities in common with blood ;
and shall we deem Him less worthy
that we should believe Him, when He
turneth wine into Blood ? When He
was bidden to that marriage wherein
twain were made one flesh, He did
the beginning of His miracles to the
amazement of all men ; and shall we
less surely hold that He hath given
us His Body and Blood to be our
meat and drink, or take them with
weaker faith that they are indeed His
Body and His Blood ? Under the
appearance of bread He giveth unto
us His Body, and, under the appear
ance of wine, His Blood : and when
thou shalt come to receive, it is on
the Body and Blood of Christ that
thou wilt feed, being made a partaker
of His Body and of His Blood. Thus
indeed it is that we become Christ-
bearers, 1 namely, by carrying about
Christ in our bodies, when we receive
His Body and Blood into our own
frames. Thus, as the blessed Peter
hath it, we are " partakers of the
Divine nature." (2 Pet. i. 4.)
Sixth Lessoji.
/CHRIST once said, in conversing"
with the Jews : " Except ye eat
the Flesh of the Son of Man, and
drink His Blood, ye have no life in
you." (John vi. 53.) But they took
not spiritually that which He said,
and "from that time many of His
disciples went back, and walked no
more with Him." (66.) They thought
that He had bidden them to eat flesh.
The Old Testament also had Shew-
bread, but this Old Testament bread
was now to have an end. The bread
of the New Testament is " the Bread
Which cometh down from heaven "
(50), the cup of the New Testament,
the Cup of Salvation, that Bread and
that Cup Which hallow both souls
and bodies. Wherefore I will have
thee to understand that the Bread and
Wine whereunto thou art to come, are
not mere common bread or mere com
mon wine ; for they are the Body
and the Blood of Christ. Even if
thy senses do indeed deny this fact,
yet let faith make thee right sure of
it. Judge not the Thing by the taste
thereof, but let faith assure thee be
yond all doubt thou art partaking of
the Body and Blood of Christ.
THIRD NOCTURN.
(Read in the Votive Office in Novem
ber and December. )
Christiferi.
2 5 6
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to John (vi. 56.)
AT that time: JESUS said unto the
^*- multitudes of the Jews : My
Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood
is drink indeed. And so on.
Homily by St Cyril, Pope [of Alex
andria.] (Book iv. on John, ch. 17.)
" He that eateth My Flesh and
drinketh My Blood," saith the Lord,
"dwelleth in Me, and I in him." If
a man take two pieces of wax and
melt them, and pour the one into
the other, they necessarily mingle ; so
also, he that receiveth the Body and
Blood of the Lord doth become so
joined with the Lord that he is to
be found in Christ and Christ in him.
Another comparison thou wilt find in
Matthew. The Lord there saith :
" The kingdom of heaven is like unto
leaven which a woman took, and hid
in three measures of meal, [till the
whole was leavened,]" (xiii. 33,) be
cause, as Paul saith, "a little leaven
leaveneth the whole lump." (Gal. v.
9.) So also doth a little of this
Blessing draw the whole man unto
Itself, and fill him with Its grace :
and thus doth Christ dwell in us, and
we in Christ.
Eighth Lesson.
A ;
S for ourselves, if we would win
life everlasting ; if we would
that the Giver of immortality should
dwell in us, let us run freely to re
ceive this Blessing, and let us beware
that the devil succeed not in laying
a stumbling-block in our way, in the
shape of a mistaken reverence. Thou
rightly sayest, and we know well, how
that it is written : "Whosoever shall eat
this Bread and drink this Cup of the
Lord unworthily . . . eateth and drink
eth damnation to himself." (i Cor.
xi. 27, 29.) I therefore examine my
self and find myself unworthy. And
I ask thee, who citest these words to
me, who shall ever be found worthy ?
When wilt thou be such an one as
may be worthy to be offered to Christ ?
If by sin thou art unworthy, and thou
ceasest not to sin, (for, as the Psalm
ist hath it, -"Who can understand
his errors ? " Ps. xviii. 13,) then shalt
thou for ever lack this means of life
and sanctification.
Ninth Lesson.
V^HEREFORE, I counsel thee to
betake thee to godly thoughts,
and to live carefully and holily, and so
to receive that Blessing a Blessing
which, believe me, doth banish, not
death only, but all diseases likewise.
For when Christ dwelleth in us, He
stilleth the law of death in our mem
bers, which warreth against the law
of our mind, (Rom. vii. 23,) He
giveth strength to godliness, He turn-
eth to calm the turbulent surging of
our mind, He cureth them which are
sick, He raiseth up them which are
fallen, and, like the Good Shepherd,
Which giveth His life for the sheep,
He prevaileth that the sheep perish
not.
Sixth Day.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (viii. 4.)
HPHEN all the elders of Israel
gathered themselves together,
and came to Samuel unto Rama.
And they said unto him : Behold,
thou art old, and thy sons walk not
in thy ways ; make us a King to
SECOND WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
257
judge us like all the nations. The and he will take your daughters to be
thing displeased Samuel, that they confectionaries, and to be cooks, and
to be bakers ; and he will take your
fields, and your vineyards, and your
olive-yards, even the best of them, and
give them to his servants.
Third Respoiisory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
said : Give us a King to judge us.
And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
First Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Second Lesson.
AND the LORD said unto Samuel :
^ Hearken unto the voice of the
people in all that they say unto thee.
For they have not rejected thee, but
they have rejected Me, that I should
not reign over them. According to
all the works which they have done
since the day that I brought them up
out of Egypt, even unto this day ;
wherewith they have forsaken Me,
and served other gods, so do they also
unto thee. Now, therefore, hearken
unto their voice ; howbeit yet protest
solemnly unto them, and show them
the manner of the king that shall
reign over them.
Second Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c., (p.
223.)
Third Lesson.
A ND Samuel told all the words of
^^ the LORD unto the people that
asked of him a king, and he said :
This will be the manner of the king
that shall reign over you : he will take
your sons, and appoint them for his
chariots, and to be his horsemen, and
to run before his chariots, and he will
appoint him captains over thousands,
and captains over hundreds, and will
set them to ear his ground, and to
reap his harvest, and to make his
instruments of war, and his chariots ;
The Sabbath.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (ix. i.)
1 "VI OW there was a man of Benja-
min, whose name was Kish,
the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the
son of Beehorath, the son of Aphiah, a
Benjamite, a mighty man of power.
And he had a son whose name was
Saul, a choice young man and a
goodly ; and there was not among the
children of Israel a goodlier person
than he ; from his shoulders and up
ward he was higher than any of the
people. And the asses of Kish, Saul s
father, were lost ; and Kish said to
Saul his son : Take now one of the
servants with thee, and arise, go seek
the asses. And they passed through
Mount Ephraim, and passed through
the land of Shalisha, but they found
them not ; then they passed through
the land of Shalim, and there they
were not : and he passed through the
land of the Benjamites, but they found
them not.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
1 The Lessons formerly (and in England still) read on Friday relate how the Israelites came
to Samuel demanding a king, and God commanded him to act according to their wishes.
2 5 8
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Lesson.
AND when they were come to the
^^ land of Zuph Saul said to his
servant that was with him : Come, and
let us return ; lest my father leave
caring for the asses, and take thought
for us. And he said unto him : Be
hold now, there is in this city a man
of God, and he is an honourable man ;
all that he saith cometh surely to pass.
Now, let us go thither ; peradventure
he can show us our way that we
should go, to find that whereafter we
are come. Then said Saul to his
servant : But, behold, if we go, what
shall we bring the man of God ? for
the bread is spent in our vessels, and
we have not a basket nor aught be
side, that we may bring it for a
present unto the man of God. And
the servant answered Saul again : Be
hold, I have here in my hand the
fourth part of a shekel of silver ; that
let us give to the man of God, to tell
us our way.
Second Responsory.
O LORD, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson. (14.)
AND they went up into the city.
^^ And when they were come into
the city, behold, Samuel came out
against them, for to go up to the high
place. Now the LORD had told
Samuel in his ear, a day before Saul
came, saying : To-morrow, about this
time, I will send thee a man out of
the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt
anoint him to be Captain over My
people Israel, and he shall save My
people out of the hand of the Philis
tines ; for I have looked upon My
people ; because their cry is come unto
Me. And when Samuel saw Saul, the
LORD said unto him : Behold the man
whom I spake to thee of; this same
shall reign over My people.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, c., (p. 225.)
Prayer until Vespers as on Sunday
last.
At the beginning of the Mar tyro logy,
is said,
The morrow is the Feast of the
Most Sacred heart of JESUS.
Vespers are of the Feast.
after
Feast of the Most Sacred Heart
of JESUS.
Double of the First Class.
All as on Sundays, except what is
otherwise given here.
FIRST VESPERS.
Antiphons, Chapter, and Prayer
from Lauds.
Ps. cix. The Lord said, &c., (/.
176.)
Ps. ex. I will praise Thee, &c., (p.
177.)
Ps. cxv. I believed, &c., (p. 185.)
Ps. cxxvii. Blessed is every one,
&c., (p. 191.)
Ps. cxlvii. Praise the LORD, O Jeru
salem, &c., (p. 203.)
Hymn?-
JESUS ! Creator of the world !
Of all mankind Redeemer blest !
True God of God, in Whom we see
The Father s Image clear expressed !
Author unknown ; translation by the Rev. E. Caswall.
THIRD WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
259
Thee, Saviour ! love alone constrained
To make our mortal flesh Thine Own,
And, as a second Adam, come
For the first Adam to atone.
That self-same love which made the sky,
Which made the sea, and stars, and earth,
Took pity on our misery,
And broke the bondage of our birth.
O JESUS ! In Thy Heart Divine
May that same love for ever glow !
For ever mercy to mankind
From that exhaustless Fountain flow !
For this Thy Sacred Heart was pierced,
And both with Blood and Water ran
To cleanse us from the stains of guilt,
And be the hope and strength of man.
To God the Father, and the Son,
All praise, and power, and glory be,
With Thee, O Holy Comforter !
Henceforth through all eternity. Amen.
Verse. l I am come to send fire on
the earth,
Answer. And what will I, if it be
already kindled ?
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. 2 My heart hath looked for
reproach and bitterness ; and I looked
for some to take pity on me, and there
was none ; and for comforters, and I
found none.
Commemoration of the Sunday.
Antiphon. And all [Israel] from
Dan even to Beersheba knew that
Samuel was established a Prophet of
the Lord.
Verse. Let the evening prayer as
cend unto Thee, O Lord.
Answer. And let there descend
upon us Thy mercy.
Prayer.
f~\ GOD, the Protector of all them
V that trust in Thee, without
Whom nothing is strong, nothing is
1 Luke xii. 49.
Holy ; increase and multiply upon us
Thy mercy, that Thou being our ruler
and guide, we may so pass through
things temporal, that we finally lose
not the things eternal. Through our
Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
MATTINS.
Invitatory. Christ suffered for us,
* O come, let us worship Him !
Hymn.
QF sin and love the Lord had died :
Of sin, but not His own
Of love, self-sprung, that drew Him down
For sinners to atone.
And sin, when in the last strong cry
Had passed His latest breath,
Still aimed the soldier s spear to pierce
His pulseless Heart in death.
Sin pierced Him, but His love called life
Out of the Streams sin wrung:
The Church, from out His Heart of love,
In Blood and Water sprung.
Where men would drown in sin, He set
That Church o er sin s black tide
An Ark of safety, Whose wide Door
Was opened in His Side.
Love gave those Streams from out His
Heart
In sevenfold tide to flow,
Wherefrom our robes by faith and love
May whiter rise than snow.
O may we lay our sins aside
Those sins that pierced His Heart
And pray of Him new hearts of flesh,
Hearts Christ-like, to impart.
Grant it, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done,
In every time and place. Amen.
2 Ps. Ixviii. 21.
260
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Antiphon. l What is man,
that Thou shouldest magnify him ?
and that Thou shouldest set Thine
Heart upon him ?
Psalm VIII.
O LORD, our Lord, &c., (p. 7.)
Second Antiphon. Let the medita
tion of my heart be acceptable in Thy
sight for ever.
Psalm XVIII.
The heavens declare, (p. 17.)
Third Antiphon. Be ye lift up, ye
everlasting doors, and the King of
glory shall come in.
Psalm XXIII.
The earth is the LORD S, &c., (p.
46.)
Verse. 2 LORD, Thou wilt ordain
peace for us,
Answer. For Thou hast also
wrought all our works for us.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Isaiah (xii. i.)
Q LORD, I will praise Thee ;
though Thou wast angry with
me, Thine anger is turned away, and
Thou comfortedst me. Behold, God
is my salvation ; I will trust, and not
be afraid ; for the LORD is my strength
and my song ; He also is become my
salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye
draw water out of the wells of the
Saviour ; and in that day shall ye say :
Praise the LORD, and call upon His
Name ; [declare His doings among
the people ;] make mention that His
Name is exalted. Sing unto the
LORD, for He hath done excellent
things ; make ye this known in all
the earth. Cry out and shout, thou
inhabitant of Zion, for great is the
Holy One of Israel in the midst of
thee !
First Responsory.
3 1 am that Bread of life. Your
fathers did eat manna in the wilder
ness, and are dead. This is the Bread
Which cometh down from heaven, that
a man may eat thereof, and not die.
Verse. I am the living Bread
Which came down from heaven ; if
any man eat of this Bread, he shall
live for ever.
Answer. This is the Bread Which
cometh down from heaven, that a man
may eat thereof, and not die.
Second Lesson, (xxvi. i.)
I
N that day shall this song be sung
in the land of Judah. 4 Zion is
our strong city, the Saviour will God
appoint in her for walls and bulwarks.
Open ye the gates, that the righteous
nation which keepeth the truth may
enter in. The former wandering is
past : Thou shalt keep lasting peace,
because our trust is stayed on Thee.
Ye trust in the LORD for ever, in the
LORD GOD mighty for ever. For He
bringeth down them that dwell on
high, the lofty city, He shall lay it
low, He shall lay it low, even to the
ground.
Second Respojisory.
5 Behold, when we shall see Him,
He hath no form nor comeliness : there
is no beauty in Him : this is He
Which hath borne our griefs and
1 Job vii. 17.
4 Zion, not in the Hebrew.
2 Isa.
5 Isa.
XXVI. 12.
liii. 2, 4.
3 John vi. 48-52.
THIRD WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
26l
carried our sorrows ; but He was
wounded for our transgressions, and
with His stripes we are healed.
Verse. Surely He hath borne our
griefs and carried our sorrows.
Answer. And with His stripes we
are healed.
Third Lesson, (v. 7.)
HPHE way of the just is upright, the
path wherein the just walketh is
upright. Yea, in the way of Thy
judgments, O LORD, have we waited
for Thee ; the desire of our soul is to
Thy name, and to the remembrance
of Thee. With my soul have I de
sired Thee in the night ; yea, with
mine inmost spirit will I seek Thee
early. When Thy judgments are in
the earth, the inhabitants of the world
will learn righteousness.
Third Responsory.
1 Blessed be the LORD God of hosts,
Who only doeth wondrous things.
And blessed be His glorious Name
for ever.
Verse. And let the whole earth be
filled with His glory. Amen. Amen.
Answer. And blessed be His
glorious Name for ever.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. And blessed be His
glorious Name for ever.
SECOND NOCTURN.
First Antiphon. With gladness
and rejoicing shall they be brought ;
they shall enter into the King s
palace.
Psalm XLIV.
Mine heart is overflowing, &c., (p.
96.)
Second Antiphon. The Most High
hath hallowed His Tabernacle.
Psalm XLV.
God is our refuge, &c., (p. 97.)
Third Antiphon. All they that
dwell in thee are in gladness.
Psalm LXXXVI.
Her foundation, &c., (p. 144.)
Verse. Thine anger is turned away.
Answer. And Thou comfortedst
me.
Fottrth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Sermons
of St Bernard, Abbat [of Clairvaux.]
(3rd on the Lord s Passion.)
OW that we have once reached
N
the Heart of JESUS, that Heart
of exceeding sweetness, and know how
that "it is good for us to be here,"
(Matth. xvii. 4,) let us never again
suffer ourselves to be torn away from
Him concerning Whom it is written :
" They that depart from Thee shall be
written in the earth." (Jer. xvii. 13.)
But what portion is theirs that draw
nigh unto Thee, Thou Thyself, O
Lord, dost tell us, for Thou hast said
unto such : " Rejoice, because your
names are written in heaven." (Luke
x. 20.) Unto Thee therefore let us
draw nigh "we will be glad and
rejoice in Thee" when "we remember
Thine" Heart. (Cant. i. 3.) "Be
hold, how good and pleasant it is to
dwell in"(Ps. cxxxii. i) this Heart!
Yea, let me cast away all things, all
my thoughts, and all my feelings,
let me cast them all away, and let me
"cast all my care" (i Pet. v. 7) upon
the Heart of the Lord JESUS "and He
shall sustain me." (Ps. liv. 23.)
1 Ps. Ixxi. 19.
262
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Fourth Responsory.
] He that eateth My Flesh and
drinketh My Blood, dwelleth in Me,
and I in him. * P. T. Alleluia.
Verse. 2 What nation is there so
great, who hath gods so nigh unto
them, as the LORD our God is to
us?
Answer. Dwelleth in Me, and I in
him. * P. T. Alleluia.
Fifth Lesson.
"TOWARD this Temple, toward this
Holy of Holies, towards this Ark
of the covenant, " will I worship and
praise Thy Name" (Ps. cxxxvii. 2)
saying with David : " Thy servant
hath found in his heart to pray this
prayer unto Thee" (2 Kings vii. 27.)
And I have found the Heart of JESUS,
the Heart of my King, my Brother,
and my tender Friend. And am I
not to worship ? Yea, O JESUS most
sweet, now that I have found this
Heart, Which is both Thine and mine,
I will worship Thee. O my God !
And, O, do Thou graciously let my
supplication enter into that Sanctuary
of mercy ! Draw me altogether into
that Heart of Thine ! O JESUS, in
the Perfection of Thy beauty fairer
than the children of men, wash Thou
me " thoroughly from mine iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin," (Ps.
1. 4,) that, being made pure by Thee,
I may be able to come unto Thee,
Who art Thyself most Pure, and that
I may be meet " to dwell in Thy "
Heart " all the days of my life, to be
hold " (Ps. xxvi. 4) Thee, and to be
strong to do Thy will.
Fifth Responsory.
3 He hath been brought as a lamb
to the slaughter, and while he was
evil-entreated he opened not his
mouth : he was delivered up to death,
that he might quicken his people.
Verse. 4 He hath poured out his
soul unto death, and he was numbered
with the transgressors.
Answer. That he might quicken
his people.
Sixth Lesson.
/ T**O this end was Thy Side pierced,
* that we might find a wide en
trance there. To this end was Thine
Heart wounded, that we might be able
to dwell in It and in Thee, " hidden
in the secret of Thy presence from the
troubling of men." (Ps. xxx. 21.)
Nevertheless, It was pierced to this
end also, that behind that Bodily
Wound which we see, we may per
ceive that wound of love which is not
bodily. And how could that love be
more strikingly shown than it is by
Him Who hath given, not His Body
only, but His very Heart, to be pierced
for us ? The bodily wound showeth
the spiritual. Who is there that would
not love that wounded Heart ? Who
would not return love for love to Him
That hath loved so well ? Who would
not embrace Him Who standeth so
pure ? While, therefore, we yet linger
here in this body, let us love and love
again Him Who hath first loved us,
let us lay hold on that Wounded One,
Wounded for us, Whose Hands and
Feet, Whose Side and Heart, the
wicked husbandmen have so pierced.
(Matth. xxi. 35-39.) Let us stand
waiting till He be pleased to constrain
with the bond, and pierce with the
spear, of His love, these hearts of ours
that still are so hard and unrepentant.
(So far St Bernard.}
The Supreme Pontiff Clement XIII.,
to the end that Christ s faithful people
might in still more godly and earnest
1 John vi. 57.
3 Cf. Isa. liii. 7; i Mace. vi. 44.
4 Isa. liii. 12.
THIRD WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
sort call to mind, and more readily
drink in the fruits of, the wondrous
love of Him Who suffered for us, Who
laid down His life for the redemption
of man, and who hath instituted the
Sacrament of His Own Body and
Blood for a continual showing-forth
of His death, of which love His Most
Sacred Heart is an embodiment,
granted the prayer of certain Churches,
which desired to observe a Festival
in honour of the said Most Sacred
Heart.
This Feast Pius IX. extended to the
whole Church, and at length the
Supreme Pontiff, Leo XIII., in accord
ance with the wishes of the whole
Catholic world, raised it to the rank
of a Double of the First Class.
Sixth Responsory.
1 Great is the LORD, and greatly to
be praised, and His Wisdom is un
searchable.
Verse. 2 Great is our Lord, and of
great power, and His understanding
is infinite.
Answer. And His Wisdom is un
searchable.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. And His Wisdom is
unsearchable.
THIRD NOCTURN.
First Antiphon. Show forth His
salvation from day to day.
Psalm XCV.
O sing unto the LORD, c., (p. 148.)
Second Antiphon. Worship Him,
all ye His Angels ! Zion heard, and
was glad.
Psalm XCVI.
The LORD reigneth, &c., (p. 149.)
Third Antiphon. All the ends of
the earth have seen the salvation of
our God.
Psalm XCVI I.
O sing unto the LORD, &c., (p. 157.)
Verse. 3 Out of Zion, the Perfection
of beauty,
Answer. Our God shall come
manifestly.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to John (xix. 31.)
A T that time : The Jews, because it
was the Preparation, that the
bodies should not remain upon the
cross on the Sabbath-day (for that
Sabbath was an high day) besought
Pilate that their legs might be broken,
and that they might be taken away.
And so on.
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
Hippo.] ( 1 2 oth Tract on John. )
" One of the soldiers with a spear
pierced His Side, and forthwith came
thereout Blood and Water." The
Evangelist speaketh carefully. He
saith not that He smote the Side,
nor yet that he wounded It, nor yet
anything else, but " pierced "-
"pierced" It, to fling wide the en
trance unto life, whence flow the
Sacraments of the Church, those
Sacraments without which there is
no entrance unto the life which is
life indeed. That Blood Which was
shed there was shed for the remission
of sins, that Water is the water that
mantleth in the cup of salvation.
Therein are we washed and thereof
1 Ps. xlvii. 2.
" Ps. cxlvi. 5.
3 Ps. xlix. 2.
264
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
do we drink. Of this was it a type
when it was said unto Noah: "The
door of the ark shalt thou set in the
side thereof .... and of every living-
thing of all flesh shalt thou bring into
the ark .... to keep them alive."
(Gen. vi. 16, 19.) A figure this of
the Church.
Seventh Responsory.
1 As the living Father hath sent Me,
and I live by the Father, so he that
eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.
* P. T. Alleluia.
Verse. 2 With the bread of life
and understanding hath the Lord fed
him.
Answer. So he that eateth Me,
even he shall live by Me. * P. 7\
Alleluia.
Eighth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Homilies
of St John Chrysostom, [Patriarch
of Constantinople. ] ( 8 tfh on John, )
C EEST thou the power of the truth ?
The act of the Jews was a mean
to the fulfilment of prophecy, whereby
another truth was made manifest.
" Then came the soldiers, and brake
the legs of the first, and of the other,
which was crucified with Him. But
when they came to JESUS, and saw
that He was dead already, they brake
not His Legs ; but one of the soldiers
with a spear pierced His Side." Will
ing to do the Jews a pleasure, that
man outraged his Redeemer even in
death vile and iniquitous willingness !
But rest Thou still, O Thou Whom
my soul loveth ! they thought to do
it wickedly, but they did service to
the truth. " For these things were
done that the Scripture should be
fulfilled: A bone of Him shall not
be broken and again another Scrip
ture saith : They shall look on Him
1 John vi. 58.
Whom they pierced. " Nor was it
done for this alone, but it was after
ward a mean to faith for Thomas and
them that were with him. And yet
again another great mystery was here
established, for : " forthwith came
thereout Blood and Water." Nor
idly nor perchance sprang forth that
twofold fountain, for the Church, like
her Great Head, "came by Water
and Blood not by Water only, but
by Water and Blood." (i John v. 6.)
Eighth Responsory.
Our Shepherd, even the Fountain of
living waters, is gone from us ; He
passed away, and the sun was darkened.
Our Saviour hath burst the gates and
bars of death.
Verse. The bands of hell He hath
utterly abolished, and hath done away
the power of the devil.
Answer. Our Saviour hath burst
the gates and bars of death.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Our Saviour hath burst
the gates and bars of death.
Ninth Blessing.
May the Gospel s glorious word
Cleansing to our souls afford.
Ninth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Luke (xv. I.)
A T that time : There drew near
*"* unto JESUS the publicans and
sinners, for to hear Him. And so on.
Homily by Pope St Gregory [the
Great.] (34/# on the Gospels.}
Ye have heard, my brethren, from
the Gospel which hath but now been
2 Ecclus. xv. 3.
THIRD WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
265
read, how that the publicans and sin
ners drew near unto our Redeemer,
and how that He received them, not
only to converse, but also to eat with
Him. And when the Pharisees and
Scribes saw it, they murmured. From
this learn ye, that true righteousness
is merciful, and false righteousness is
contemptuous, albeit that the righteous
also oft-times feel moved with just in
dignation at sinners. But it is one
thing to feel thus indignant through
pride, and another to feel so through
love of law. The righteous indeed
look down upon sinners, and yet, as
not despising them ; they abandon
them, and yet, as not without hope ;
they fight against them, and yet, as
loving them all the while ; for if they
be behoven to chasten them grievously
as touching the outer man, yet is it
through charity which offereth sweet
ness to their inner man. In their
hearts they prefer before themselves
them whom they are correcting ; they
hold as better than themselves them
whom they judge. And thus doing,
they watch by carefulness over them,
which are committed unto their charge,
and, by lowly-mindedness, over them
selves. On the other hand, they
whose exaltation cometh of a false
righteousness, look down upon their
neighbour, but are softened by no
mercy toward his misery, and are all
the more sinful, because they perceive
not that they themselves are sinners.
Of such were those Pharisees who
judged the Lord because He re
ceived sinners, and, in the dryness of
their own heart, rebuked the very
Fountain of mercy. They were sick
of so desperate a sickness that they
knew not of themselves that they were
sick ; but, that they might know that
they were so, the Heavenly Physician
applied to them His tender ointments,
and, by means of a gracious parable,
lanced the boil of their pride of heart.
LAUDS.
First Antiphon. l Learn of Me, *
for I am meek and lowly in Heart.
Second Antiphon. 2 I have sancti
fied this place, * that My Name may
be there for ever, and Mine eyes, and
Mine heart shall be there perpetually.
Third Antiphon. 3 And I said:
Then have I cleansed my heart * in
vain, and washed my hands in inno-
cency, for all the day long have I
been plagued.
Fourth Antiphon. 4 In the multi
tude of the sorrows * within my heart,
Thy comforts delight my soul.
Fifth Antiphon. 5 Set me as a
seal upon thine heart, * as a seal
upon thine arm.
Chapter. (Isa. xii. 2, 3.)
"DEHOLD, God is my salvation ; I
will trust, and not be afraid ;
for the LORD is my strength and my
song ; He also is become my salva
tion. Therefore with joy shall ye
draw water out of the wells of the
Saviour.
Hymn.
JESUS! behind Thy Temple s Veil,
J Hid in an ark of gold,
On stones engraven, lay the Law
Thy finger wrote of old.
But, in Thy Body s Temple new,
Thy Life- Blood s throbbing Shrine,
Held, upon Fleshly Tables graved,
The Law of love Divine.
And when that Heart in death was stilled,
Each Temple s Veil was riven :
And lo ! within Thy love s red Shrine
To us to look was given !
1 Matth. xi. 29.
4 Ps. xciii. 19.
2 2 Par. (Chron.) vii. 16.
5 Cant. viii. 6.
3 Ps. Ixxii. 13.
266
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
There make us gaze and see the love
Which drew Thee, for our sake,
O Great High Priest ! Thyself to God
A Sacrifice to make.
Thou, Saviour ! cause that every soul
Which Thou hast loved so well,
May will within Thine opened Heart
In life and death to dwell.
Grant it, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place. Amen.
Verse. l Surely He hath borne our
griefs.
Answer, And carried our sorrows.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
1 He was wounded for our transgres
sions. He was bruised for our ini
quities : the chastisement of our peace
was upon Him, and with His stripes
we are healed.
Prayer throughout the Office.
O ALMIGHTY God, grant, we be
seech Thee, that all we who do
make our boast in the most Holy
Heart of Thy well-beloved Son, and
do tell of the wondrous works of His
love to us-ward, may be blessed in
knowing both what He hath wrought
for us and also what He is able and
willing to work in us. Through the
Same our Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee,
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one
God, world without end. Amen.
Commemoration of the Sunday.
Antiphon. What man of you, hav
ing an hundred sheep, if he lose one
of them, doth not leave the ninety
and nine in the wilderness, and go
after that which is lost, until he find
it ? Alleluia.
Verse. The Lord reigneth ; He is
clothed with majesty.
Answer. The Lord is clothed with
strength, and hath girded Himself with
power.
Prayer as at Commemoration on
Saturday evening.
PRIME.
Antiphon. Learn of Me, &c., (First
Antipho?i at Lauds.}
In the Short Responsory instead of
"Thou That sittest, &c.," is said:
Verse. Thou That didst suffer for
us.
Chapter at the end. (Isa. xii. 5.)
CING unto the LORD, for He hath
^ done excellent things. Make ye
this known in all the earth. Cry out
and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion !
For great is the Holy One of Israel in
the midst of thee !
TERCE.
Antiphon. I have sanctified, &c.
(Second Antiphon at Lauds.}
Chapter from Lauds.
Short Responsory.
Surely He hath borne our griefs.
Answer. Surely He hath borne our
griefs.
Verse. And carried our sorrows.
Answer. He hath borne our griefs.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Surely He hath borne our
griefs.
Verse. He maketh peace in Thy
borders.
Answer. And filleth thee with the
finest of the wheat.
Isa. liii. 4, 5.
THIRD WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
267
Antiphon. And I said, &c., (Third
Antiphon at Lattds.}
Chapter. (Isa. xii. 4.)
T N that day shall ye say : Praise the
LORD, and call upon His Name !
make mention that His Name is ex
alted.
Short Responsory.
He maketh peace in thy borders.
Answer. He maketh peace in thy
borders.
Verse. And filleth thee with the
finest of the wheat.
Answer. Peace in thy borders.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. He maketh peace in thy
borders.
Verse. l O Lord, Thou hast loosed
my bonds.
Answer. I will offer to Thee the
sacrifice of thanksgiving.
NONE.
Antiphon. Set me as a seal, &c.,
(Fifth Antiphon at Lauds.}
Chapter as at the end of Prime.
Short Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast loosed my
bonds.
Answer. O Lord, Thou hast loosed
my bonds.
Verse. I will offer to Thee the
sacrifice of thanksgiving.
A?iswer. Thou hast loosed my
bonds.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
1 Ps. cxv. 16, 17.
Answer. O Lord, Thou hast loosed
my bonds.
Verse. 2 It shall be to the LORD
for a Name, for an everlasting Sign
Answer. That shall not be cut off.
SECOND VESPERS.
All as the First, except the follow
ing.
Verse. With joy shall ye draw
water.
Answer. Out of the wells of the
Saviour.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. But when they came to
JESUS, and saw that He was dead al
ready, they brake not His Legs : but
one of the soldiers with a spear pierced
His Side, and forthwith came thereout
Blood and Water.
Commemoratio?i of the Sunday.
Antiphon. What woman, having
ten pieces of silver, if she lose one
piece, doth not light a candle, and
sweep the house, and seek diligently
till she find it?
Verse. Let my prayer, O Lord, be
set forth.
Answer. As incense before Thee.
Prayer as at Commemoration on
Saturday evening.
The Offices for the Sundays and
Week-days between this point and the
Saturday evening before Advent Sun
day are no longer, as heretofore, to be
found in one place. The Proper Office
of the Season occupies three sections,
placed in the order of the Nocturns to
which they belong. These sections are
arra?iged to contain as follows :
/. Lessons from the Books of Kings
2 Isa. lv. 13.
268
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
for every day for nine weeks, together
with Lessons for the Second Noct urn of
each of the nine Sundays, and Anti-
phons for the Song of the Blessed Vir
gin on each preceding Saturday even
ing. This section is begun on the
Monday of the Third Week after
Pentecost and continued till the Satur
day preceding that Sunday which is
nearest to the first day of the month of
August. If there then remains any
part of it unread that part is for that
year entirely omitted.
II. The Lessons for the Ember-Days
of Septejnber are Homilies on the Gos
pels, taken from the Venerable Bede,
and St Gregory the Great; and in this
translation, though not so in the ori
ginal, there are inserted into this Sec
tion the complete offices of a few Fes
tivals the observance of whieh is co
extensive with that of the Roman Rite,
and which are fixed on certain of the
Sundays. On the Sunday nearest to
the first day of the month of August is
begun the Book of Proverbs, and this
Section contains lessons for every day
J or five weeks in each of the months of
August, September, October, and Nov
ember, taken from Proverbs, Ecclesi-
astes, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Job,
Tobit, Judith, Esther, \st and 2nd
Machabees, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the
Minor Prophets.
III. Those parts of the Offices, for
the Sundays from the Fourth to the
Twenty-third Simday after Pentecost,
and for the Sunday next before Advent,
which depend upon the Gospels for each
of those Sundays respectively; that is
to say, the Lessons for the Third Noc-
turn and the Antiphons for the Songs
of Zacharias and of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. Here also is to be found the
Prayer for each Sunday, which Prayer
is read from the Saturday evening pre
ceding the Sunday to which it belongs
till None on the Saturday following,
except in special cases and in that of
Festivals falling after the Sunday. To
these are added, for convenience" 1 sake,
a reprint of such parts of the Offices
for the four Sundays (the Third,
Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth] after the
Epiphany as may have been dropped
owing to the earliness of Easter, and
are now to be used for the Stmdays
which would otherwise be vacant be
tween the 2.^rd after Pentecost and that
next before Advent.
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (x. 17.)
A ND Samuel called the people to
gether unto the LORD to Mizpeh,
and said unto the children of Israel :
Thus saith the LORD God of Israel :
I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and
delivered you out of the hand of the
Egyptians, and out of the hand of all
kings that oppressed you. And ye
have this day rejected your God, Who
Himself Alone saved you out of all
your adversities and your tribulations,
and ye have said unto Him : Nay,
but set a king over us. Now there
fore, present yourselves before the
LORD by your tribes and by your
families.
First Responsory.
Remember, O Lord, Thy covenant,
and say unto the destroying Angel :
Stay now thine hand, that the land be
not utterly laid waste, and that thou
destroy not every living soul.
Verse. T Even I it is that have
sinned, and done evil indeed : but
1 2 Kings (Sam.) xxiv. 17 ; i Par. (Chron.) xxi. 17.
THIRD WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
269
these sheep what
Let Thine anger,
LORD, be turned
people.
Answer. That
utterly laid
destroy not
have they done ?
I pray Thee, O
away from Thy
the
waste, and
every living
land be not
that Thou
soul.
Second Lesson.
A ND when Samuel had caused all
the tribes of Israel to come near,
the tribe of Benjamin was taken. And
when he had caused the tribe of Ben
jamin to come near by their families,
the family of Metri was taken. And
Saul the son of Kish was taken.
And when they sought him he could
not be found. Therefore they en
quired of the LORD further, if the
man should yet come thither. And
the LORD answered : Behold, he hath
hid himself in the house. And they
ran and fetched him thence : and
when he stood among the people he
was higher than any of the people
from his shoulders and upward. And
Samuel said to all the people : Ye
see him whom the LORD hath chosen,
that there is none like him among
all the people. And all the people
shouted and said : God save the
King !
Second Rcsponsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
^PH?:N Samuel told the people the
manner of the kingdom, and
wrote it in a book, and laid it up
before the LORD ; and Samuel sent
all the people away, every man to
his house. And Saul also went home
to Gibeah ; and there went with him
a band of men whose hearts God had
touched. But the children of Belial
said : How shall this man save us ?
And they despised him and brought
him no presents : but he made as
though he heard it not.
Third Rcsponsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Third l)&lt;iy.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xii. i.)
A Nl) Samuel said unto all Israel:
Behold, I have hearkened unto
your voice in all thai ye said unto
me, and have made a king over you.
And now, behold, the king walkelh
before you. And I am old and gray-
headed ; and behold my sons are with
you. And I have walked before you
from my childhood unto this clay ; be
hold, here I am. Witness against
me before the LORD, and before His
Anointed, whose ox have I taken, or
whose ass have I taken ? Whom
have I defrauded, whom have I op
pressed, or of whose hand have I
received any bribe ? And I will con
demn myself this day, and will restore
it you. And they said : Thou hast
not defrauded us, nor oppressed us,
neither hast thou taken aught of any
man s hand. And he said unto them :
The LORD is witness against you, and
His Anointed is witness this day, that
ye have not found aught in my hand.
And they answered : He is witness.
( First Rcsponsory.
1 Lord, when Thy people shall turn
again to Thee, and shall pray unto
1 3 (i) Kings viii. 33.
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Thee in this house, then hear Thou in
heaven, O Lord, and deliver them out
of the hand of their enemies.
Verse. If Thy people sin against
Thee, and turn again, and repent, and
come and pray unto Thee in this
house.
Answer. Then hear Thou in
heaven, O Lord, and deliver them out
of the hand of their enemies.
Second Lesson.
AND Samuel said unto the people :
*^ It is the LORD That advanced
Moses and Aaron, and That brought
your fathers up out of the land of
Egypt. Now therefore, stand still,
that I may reason with you before the
LORD, of all the merciful acts of the
LORD, which He did to you and to
your fathers. When Jacob was come
into Egypt, and your fathers cried unto
the LORD ; then the LORD sent Moses
and Aaron, and brought forth your
fathers out of Egypt, and made them
dwell in this place. And when they
forgat the LORD their God, He sold
them into the hand of Sisera, captain
of the host of Hazor, and into the hand
of the Philistines, and into the hand of
the king of Moab, and they fought
against them.
Second Responsory.
1 And it came to pass when the
Lord would take up Elijah into heaven
by a whirlwind ; Elisha cried, and
said : My father, my father, the
chariot of Israel, and the horsemen
thereof.
Verse. And as they still went on,
and talked, behold, there appeared a
chariot of fire, and horses of fire,
and parted them both asunder, and
Elijah went up by a whirlwind into
heaven.
Answer. Elisha cried, and said :
My father, my father, the chariot of
Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
Third Lesson.
A FTERWARD they cried unto the
^* LORD, and said : We have
sinned, because we have forsaken the
LORD, and have served Baalim and
Ashtaroth : but now deliver us out of
the hand of our enemies, and we will
serve Thee. And the LORD sent
Jerubbaal, 2 and Bedan, 3 and Jephthah,
and Samuel, and delivered you out of
the hand of your enemies on every
side, and ye dwelled safe. And when
ye saw that Nahash, the king of the
children of Ammon, came against you,
ye said unto me : " Nay ; but a king
shall reign over us," when the LORD
your God was your King. Now there
fore, behold your king, whom ye have
chosen, and whom ye have desired.
Behold, the LORD hath set a king
over you. If ye will fear the LORD,
and serve Him, and obey His voice,
and not rebel against the command
ment of the LORD, then shall both ye,
and also the king that reigneth over
you, continue following the LORD
your God.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD : I took thee,
&c., (p. 223.)
1 4 (2) Kings ii. r, 12, n.
2 " Let-Baal-defend-himself " a nickname of Gideon, from the remark made by his father to
save him from the vengeance of the idolaters for hewing down their altar and cutting down their
grove. (Judges vi. 32.") The true believers altered this into " Jerubbeshesh " i.e., " Let-the-
shameful-thing-defend-itself."
3 This name occurs nowhere else, and appears most probably to indicate Samson under the
name of Ben-Dan, or the Danite, contracted or corrupted into Bedan.
THIRD WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xiii. i.)
CAUL reigned one year, and when
he had reigned two years over
Israel, Saul chose him three thousand
men of Israel : whereof two thousand
were with Saul in Michmash, and in
mount Bethel, and a thousand were
with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin.
And the rest of the people he sent
every man to his tent. And Jonathan
smote the garrison of the Philistines
that was in Geba. And when the
Philistines heard of it, Saul blew the
trumpet throughout all the land, say
ing : Let the Hebrews hear. And all
Israel heard say that Saul had smitten
a garrison of the Philistines, and that
Israel was raised against the Philis
tines. And the people were called
together after Saul to Gilgal.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
A ND the Philistines gathered them
selves together to fight with
Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and
six thousand horsemen, and people as
the sand which is on the sea-shore in
multitude. And they came up and
pitched in Michmash, eastward from
Bethaven. When the men of Israel
saw that they were in a strait, (for the
people were distressed,) then the
people did hide themselves in caves,
and in thickets, and in rocks, and in
caverns, and in cisterns. And some
of the Hebrews went over Jordan to
the land of Gad and Gilead. As for
Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the
people followed him trembling. And
he tarried seven days according to the
set time that Samuel had appointed,
but Samuel came not to Gilgal, and
the people were scattered from him.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
A ND Saul said : Bring hither a
^ burnt-offering to me, and peace-
offerings. And he offered the burnt-
offering. And it came to pass that as
soon as he had made an end of offer
ing the burnt-offering, behold, Samuel
came : and Saul went out to meet him,
that he might salute him. And
Samuel said unto him : What hast
thou done ? And Saul said : Because
I saw that the people were scattered
from me, and that thou earnest not
within the days appointed, and that
the Philistines gathered themselves
together at Michmash, therefore said
I : The Philistines will come down
now upon me to Gilgal, and I have
not made supplication unto the LORD.
I forced myself therefore, and offered
a burnt-offering. And Samuel said to
Saul : Thou hast done foolishly, thou
hast not kept the commandment of
the LORD thy God, which He com
manded thee. For, now, if thou
hadst not done it, the LORD would
have established thy kingdom upon
Israel for ever, but now thy kingdom
shall not continue. The LORD hath
sought Him a man after His own
heart ; and the LORD hath com
manded him to be Captain over His
people, because thou hast not kept that
which the LORD commanded thee.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
2/2
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xiv. 6.)
A ND Jonathan said to the young
** man that bare his armour :
Come, and let us go over unto the
garrison of these uncircumcised, it
may be that the LORD will work for
us ; for there is no restraint to the
LORD, to save by many or by few.
And his armour-bearer said unto him :
Do all that is in thine heart ; turn thee
where thou wiliest, and I will be with
thee wherever thou wilt go. Then
said Jonathan : Behold, we will pass
over unto these men, and when we
discover ourselves unto them, if they
say thus, Tarry until we come to you,
then we will stand still in our place,
and will not go up unto them. But if
they say thus, Come up unto us, then
we will go up, for the LORD hath
delivered them into our hand ; and
this shall be a sign unto us. And
both of them discovered themselves
unto the garrison of the Philistines,
and the Philistines said : Behold, the
Hebrews come forth out of the holes,
where they had hid themselves.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Secojid Lesson.
AND the men of the garrison spake
^^ unto Jonathan and his armour-
bearer, and said : Come up to us, and
we will show you a thing. And Jona
than said unto his armour-bearer : Let
us go up, follow me ; for the LORD
hath delivered them into the hand of
Israel. And Jonathan climbed up
upon his hands and upon his feet,
and his armour-bearer after him.
And some fell before Jonathan, and
some his armour-bearer slew after
him. And that first slaughter which
Jonathan and his armour-bearer made
was about twenty men, within, as it
were, an half acre of land, which a
yoke of oxen might plough. And
there was trembling in the host, in
the field, and among all the people,
the garrison and the spoilers, they
also trembled and the earth quaked :
so it was as a wonder from God.
Second Responsory.
God Which heareth, &c., (p. 222.)
Third Lesson.
A ND the watchmen of Saul in
^^ Gibeah of Benjamin looked,
and, behold, the multitude was
beaten and melted away. Then said
Saul unto the people that were with
him : Number now, and see who is
gone from us. And when they had
numbered, behold, Jonathan and his
armour-bearer were not there. And
Saul said unto Ahiah : Bring hither
the Ark of God. (For the Ark of
God was at that time with the chil
dren of Israel.) And it came to pass
while Saul talked unto the Priest, that
the noise that was in the host of
the Philistines went on and increased.
And Saul said unto the Priest : With
draw thine hand. And Saul and all
the people that were with him as
sembled themselves, and they came to
the battle, and, behold, every man s
sword was against his fellow, and
there was a very great slaughter.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered, &c.,
(P. 222.)
THIRD WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
273
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xv. i.)
C AMUEL also said unto Saul : The
^ LORD sent me to anoint thee to
be king over His people Israel ; now
therefore, hearken thou unto the voice
of the LORD. Thus saith the LORD
of hosts : I remember that which
Amalek did to Israel ; how he laid
wait for him in the way, when he
came up from Egypt. Now there
fore, go and smite Amalek, and utterly
destroy all that they have ; spare
them not, and set not thine eyes
upon any of their goods to desire
them, but slay both man and woman,
infant and suckling, ox and sheep,
camel and ass.
First Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
alive : and utterly destroyed all the
people with the edge of the sword.
Second Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c., (p.
223.)
Third Lesson.
T)UT Saul and the people spared
Agag, and the best of the sheep
and of the oxen, and of the garments,
and of the rams, and all that was
good, and would not utterly destroy
them ; but everything that was vile
and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
Then came the word of the LORD
unto Samuel, saying : It repenteth
Me that I have set up Saul to be
King, for he is turned back from
following Me, and hath not per
formed My commandments. And it
grieved Samuel, and he cried unto
the LORD all night.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD : I took thee,
&c., (p. 223.)
Second Lesson.
A ND Saul gathered the people to-
^^ gether and numbered them like
sheep, two hundred thousand foot, and
ten thousand men of Judah. And
Saul came to a city of Amalek, and
laid wait in the valley. And Saul
said unto the Kenites : Go, depart,
get you down from among the Ama-
lekites, lest I destroy you with them.
For ye showed kindness to all the
children of Israel, when they came
up out of Egypt. So the Kenites
departed from among the Amalekites.
And Saul smote the Amalekites from
Havila until thou comest unto Shur,
that is over against Egypt. And he
took Agag the king of the Amalekites
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesso7i.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xvi. i.)
AND the Lord said unto Samuel :
^^ How long wilt thou mourn for
Saul, seeing that I have rejected him
from reigning over Israel ? Fill thine
horn with oil and go, I will send thee
to Jesse the Bethlehemite ; for I have
provided Me a king among his sons.
And Samuel said : How can I go ?
For Saul will hear it, and kill me.
2/2
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xiv. 6.)
A ND Jonathan said to the young
"** man that bare his armour :
Come, and let us go over unto the
garrison of these uncircumcised, it
may be that the LORD will work for
us ; for there is no restraint to the
LORD, to save by many or by few.
And his armour-bearer said unto him :
Do all that is in thine heart ; turn thee
where thou wiliest, and I will be with
thee wherever thou wilt go. Then
said Jonathan : Behold, we will pass
over unto these men, and when we
discover ourselves unto them, if they
say thus, Tarry until we come to you,
then we will stand still in our place,
and will not go up unto them. But if
they say thus, Come up unto us, then
we will go up, for the LORD hath
delivered them into our hand ; and
this shall be a sign unto us. And
both of them discovered themselves
unto the garrison of the Philistines,
and the Philistines said : Behold, the
Hebrews come forth out of the holes,
where they had hid themselves.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
AND the men of the garrison spake
"^^ unto Jonathan and his armour-
bearer, and said : Come up to us, and
we will show you a thing. And Jona
than said unto his armour-bearer : Let
us go up, follow me ; for the LORD
hath delivered them into the hand of
Israel. And Jonathan climbed up
upon his hands and upon his feet,
and his armour-bearer after him.
And some fell before Jonathan, and
some his armour-bearer slew after
him. And that first slaughter which
Jonathan and his armour-bearer made
was about twenty men, within, as it
were, an half acre of land, which a
yoke of oxen might plough. And
there was trembling in the host, in
the field, and among all the people,
the garrison and the spoilers, they
also trembled and the earth quaked :
so it was as a wonder from God.
Second Responsory.
God Which heareth, &c., (p. 222.)
Third Lesson.
AND the watchmen of Saul in
" Gibeah of Benjamin looked,
and, behold, the multitude was
beaten and melted away. Then said
Saul unto the people that were with
him : Number now, and see who is
gone from us. And when they had
numbered, behold, Jonathan and his
armour-bearer were not there. And
Saul said unto Ahiah : Bring hither
the Ark of God. (For the Ark of
God was at that time with the chil
dren of Israel.) And it came to pass
while Saul talked unto the Priest, that
the noise that was in the host of
the Philistines went on and increased.
And Saul said unto the Priest : With
draw thine hand. And Saul and all
the people that were with him as
sembled themselves, and they came to
the battle, and, behold, every man s
sword was against his fellow, and
there was a very great slaughter.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered, &c.,
(p. 222.)
THIRD WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
273
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xv. I.)
C AMUEL also said unto Saul : The
LORD sent me to anoint thee to
be king over His people Israel ; now
therefore, hearken thou unto the voice
of the LORD. Thus saith the LORD
of hosts : I remember that which
Amalek did to Israel ; how he laid
wait for him in the way, when he
came up from Egypt. Now there
fore, go and smite Amalek, and utterly
destroy all that they have ; spare
them not, and set not thine eyes
upon any of their goods to desire
them, but slay both man and woman,
infant and suckling, ox and sheep,
camel and ass.
First Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
alive : and utterly destroyed all the
people with the edge of the sword.
Second Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c., (p.
223.)
Third Lesson.
T)UT Saul and the people spared
Agag, and the best of the sheep
and of the oxen, and of the garments,
and of the rams, and all that was
good, and would not utterly destroy
them ; but everything that was vile
and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
Then came the word of the LORD
unto Samuel, saying : It repenteth
Me that I have set up Saul to be
King, for he is turned back from
following" Me, and hath not per
formed My commandments. And it
grieved Samuel, and he cried unto
the LORD all night.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD : I took thee,
&c, (p. 223.)
Second Lesson.
A ND Saul gathered the people to-
^^ gether and numbered them like
sheep, two hundred thousand foot, and
ten thousand men of Judah. And
Saul came to a city of Amalek, and
laid wait in the valley. And Saul
said unto the Kenites : Go, depart,
get you down from among the Ama-
lekites, lest I destroy you with them.
For ye showed kindness to all the
children of Israel, when they came
up out of Egypt. So the Kenites
departed from among the Amalekites.
And Saul smote the Amalekites from
Havila until thou comest unto Shur,
that is over against Egypt. And he
took Agag the king of the Amalekites
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Less oil.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xvi. I.)
AND the Lord said unto Samuel :
^^ How long wilt thou mourn for
Saul, seeing that I have rejected him
from reigning over Israel ? Fill thine
horn with oil and go, I will send thee
to Jesse the Bethlehemite ; for I have
provided Me a king among his sons.
And Samuel said : How can I go ?
For Saul will hear it, and kill me.
2 7 6
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
an helmet of brass upon his head,
and he was clothed with a coat of
mail covered with scales of metal.
And the weight of the coat was five
thousand shekels of brass. And he
had greaves of brass upon his legs,
and a target of brass between his
shoulders. And the staff of his spear
was like a weaver s beam. And his
spear s head weighed six hundred
shekels of iron, and his armour-
bearer went before him.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
AND he stood and cried unto the
armies of Israel, and said unto
them : Why are ye come out to set
your battle in array ? Am not I a
Philistine, and ye servants of Saul ?
Choose you a man for you, and let
him come down to me to single com
bat. If he be able to fight with me,
and to kill me, then will we be your
servants : but if I prevail against him
and kill him, then shall ye be our
servants and serve us. And the Phil
istine said : I defy the armies of Is
rael this day : give me a man that we
may fight together. When Saul and
all Israel heard those words of the
Philistine, they were dismayed and
greatly afraid.
Second Responsory.
God Which heareth, &c., (p. 222.)
Third Lesson.
"M" OW David was the son of that
^ aforesaid Ephrathite of Bethle
hem -Judah, whose name was Jesse,
who had eight sons, and was an old
man in the days of Saul, and an elder
among men. And his three eldest
sons went and followed Saul to the
battle ; and the names of his three
sons that went to the battle were
Eliab the first-born, and next unto
him Abinadab, and the third Shamma.
And David was the youngest. And
the three eldest followed Saul, but
David went and returned from Saul,
to feed his father s sheep at Beth
lehem. And the Philistine drew near
morning and evening, and presented
himself forty days.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(P. 222.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Sermons
of St Austin, Bishop [of Hippo.]
( 1 9 7tk for the Season. )
""THE children of Israel faced their
enemies for forty days. These
forty days, by reason of the four Sea
sons of the year, and of the four Conti
nents of the globe, are a figure of this
present life, during which the Christian
world ceaseth not to be arrayed in
battle against the devil and his angels,
as it were against Goliath and the
army of the Philistines. Neither can
they hope to overcome him, were it
not for the true David, that is, Christ,
with His staff, that is, with the Mys
tery of His Cross. For before Christ
came, my dearly beloved brethren, the
devil was at large. But when Christ
came, He did to him what is written
in the Gospel, where it is said : "How-
can one enter into a strong man s
house, and spoil his goods, except he
first bind the strong man ? " Christ
therefore came, and bound the devil.
FOURTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
277
Fourth Responsory,
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Fifth Lesson.
"D UT some man will say : If he is
bound, why is he still so power
ful ? It is quite true, my dearly be
loved brethren, that he is very
powerful ; but his lordship is over the
lukewarm and the careless, and such as
fear not God in truth. He is chained
up like a dog, and can only bite those
who are such suicidal fools as to go
within the length of his tether. Look
you, my brethren, what a dolt a man
must be who getteth himself bitten by
a dog that is chained up. Let not
the desires and lusts of the world
draw thee within reach of him, and
he will not be able to get at thee.
He can bark, he can whine ; but he
can only bite those who are willing
to be bitten. He assaileth us, not by
violence, but by persuasion ; he asketh,
not seizeth, our consent.
Fifth Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c., (p.
223.)
Sixth Lesson.
"T^AVID, then, came, and found the
Jewish people set in battle array
against the devil ; and since there was
no one who dared to go to single
combat, he, who was a type of Christ,
sallied out to the battle, took his staff
in his hand, and went forth against
Goliath. In him was a shadow of a
substance which is in Christ. Christ,
the true David, when He went forth
to fight against the spiritual Goliath,
that is to say, against the devil, went
forth bearing His Cross. Ye see, my
brethren, in what part it was that
David smote Goliath ; it was upon
that forehead whereon the Cross had
VOL. III.
never been traced. And as the staff
of David was a figure of the Cross of
Christ, so was the stone wherewith
the giant was smitten a figure of the
Lord Himself.
Sixth Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xvii. 25.)
A ND the men of Israel said : Have
ye seen this man that is come
up ? Surely to defy Israel is he come
up. And it shall be that the man
who killeth him the king will enrich
him with great riches, and will give
him his daughter, and make his
father s house free in Israel. And
David spake to the men that stood
by him, saying : What shall be done
to the man that killeth this Philistine,
and taketh away the reproach from
Israel ? For who is this uncircum-
cised Philistine, that he should defy
the armies of the living God ?
First Responsory.
Remember, &c., (p. 268.)
2 7 8
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Lesson. (31.)
AND when the words were heard
^~^ which David spake, they re
hearsed them before Saul. [And he
sent for him.] And, when he was
brought before him, David said to
Saul : Let no man s heart fail because
of him : thy servant will go, and fight
with this Philistine. And Saul said
to David : Thou art not able to go
against the Philistine, to fight with
him ; for thou art but a youth, and he
a man of war from his youth.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
A ND David said unto Saul: Thy
**" servant kept his father s sheep,
and there came a lion and a bear, and
took a lamb out of the flock ; and I
went out after him and smote him,
and delivered it out of his mouth :
and when he arose against me, I
caught him by his beard, and choked
him, and slew him. Thy servant slew
both the lion and the bear ; and this
uncircumcised Philistine shall be as
one of them.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xvii. 38.)
AND Saul armed David with his
^^ armour, and he put an helmet
of brass upon his head ; also he armed
him with a coat of mail. And David
girded his sword upon his armour, and
he essayed to go, for he had not
proved it. And David said unto
Saul : I cannot go with these, for I
have not proved them. And David
put them off him, and he took his
staff in his hand, and chose him five
smooth stones out of the brook, and
put them in a shepherd s bag which
he had, and his sling was in his hand,
and he drew near to the Philistine.
First Responsory.
Lord, when Thy people, &c., (p.
269.)
Second Lesson.
AND the Philistine came on and
^^ drew near unto David, and his
armour-bearer went before him. And
when the Philistine looked about, and
saw David, he disdained him. For
he was but a youth, ruddy, and of a
fair countenance. And the Philistine
said unto David : Am I a dog, that
thou comest to me with staves ? And
the Philistine cursed David by his
gods. And the Philistine said to
David : Come to me, and I will give
thy flesh unto the fowls of the air,
and to the beasts of the field. Then
said David to the Philistine : Thou
comest to me with a sword, and with
a spear, and with a shield : but I
come to thee in the name of the
LORD of hosts, the God of the armies
of Israel, whom thou hast defied this
day. And the LORD will deliver thee
into mine hand, and I will smite thee,
and take thine head from thee : and I
will give the carcases of the host of
the Philistines this day unto the fowls
of the air, and to the wild beasts of
the earth, that all the earth may know
that there is a God in Israel.
Second Responsory.
And it came to pass, &c., (p. 270.)
FOURTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
279
Third Lesson.
A ND when the Philistine arose, and
came, and drew nigh to meet
David, David hasted, and ran toward
the army, to meet the Philistine. And
David put his hand in his bag, and
took thence a stone, and slang it, and
smote the Philistine in his forehead,
that the stone sunk into his forehead,
and he fell upon his face to the earth.
So David prevailed over the Philistine
with a sling and with a stone, and
smote the Philistine, and slew him.
But there was no sword in the hand
of David ; therefore David ran and
stood upon the Philistine, and took
his sword, and drew it out of the
sheath thereof: and slew him, and
cut off his head therewith.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xviii. 6.)
AS David returned from the
slaughter of the Philistine, the
women came out of all the cities of
Israel, singing and dancing, to meet
King Saul, with tabrets of joy and
with instruments of music. And the
women answered one another as they
played, and said : Saul hath slain his
thousands, and David his ten thou
sands. And Saul was very wroth,
and the saying displeased him, and
he said: They have ascribed unto
David ten thousands, and to me they
have ascribed the thousands ! And
what can he have more, but the
kingdom ?
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
/\ ND Saul eyed David from that
day and forward. And it came
to pass on the morrow that the evil
spirit from God came upon Saul, and
he prophesied in the midst of his
house : and David played with his
hand, as he did daily. 1 And there
was a javelin in Saul s hand ; and he
cast it ; for he thought to smite David
even to the wall with it ; and David
avoided out of his presence the [first
of the] two times. And Saul was
afraid of David, because the LORD
was with him, and was departed from
Saul. Therefore Saul removed him
from him, and made him his captain
over a thousand : and he went out and
came in before the people.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
A ND David behaved himself wisely
in all his ways, and the LORD
was with him. Wherefore when Saul
saw that he behaved himself very
wisely, he was afraid of him. But all
Israel and Judah loved David ; be
cause he went out and came in before
them. And Saul said to David : Be
hold my elder daughter Merab, her
will I give thee to wife ; only be thou
1 He was regularly employed to play the harp when Saul s mania came upon him, in order to
lull the paroxysms, (xvi. 14-23.)
280
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
valiant, and fight the LORD S battles.
For Saul said in his heart : Let not
mine hand be upon him, but let the
hand of the Philistines be upon him.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
put his life in his hand, and slew the
Philistine, and the LORD wrought a
great salvation for all Israel : thou
sawest it, and didst rejoice. Where
fore, then, wilt thou sin against inno
cent blood, to slay David without a
cause ? And Saul hearkened unto the
voice of Jonathan, and sware : As the
LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xix. i.)
AND Saul spake to Jonathan his
^^ son, and to all his servants, that
they should kill David. But Jonathan,
Saul s son, delighted much in David.
And Jonathan told David, saying :
Saul my father seeketh to kill thee :
now, therefore, I pray thee, take heed
to thyself, until the morning, and
abide in a secret place, and hide thy
self. And I will go out, and stand
beside my father, in the field where
thou art, and I will commune with my
father of thee ; and what I see, that
I will tell thee.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
A ND Jonathan spake good of David
^^ unto Saul his father, and said
unto him : Let not the King sin
against his servant, against David ;
Second Responsory.
God Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson.
AND there was war again, and
"^^ David went out and fought with
the Philistines, and slew them with a
great slaughter, and they fled from
him. And the evil spirit from the
LORD was upon Saul. And he sat
in his house, with his javelin in his
hand ; and David played with his
hand. And Saul sought to smite
David even to the wall with the jave
lin, but David slipped away out of
Saul s presence : and he smote the
javelin into the wall, and David fled
and escaped that night.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(p. 222.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xx. I.)
because he hath not sinned against A ND David fled from Najoth 1 in
thee, and because his works have been
to thee-ward very good. For he did
Ramah, and came, and said be
fore Jonathan : What have I done ?
1 A place where Samuel held a school of prophets, near Ramah, in the direction of Bethel, in
the tribe of Benjamin, some six miles from Jerusalem. (So Dom Calmet.)
FOURTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
28l
What is mine iniquity, and what is
my sin before thy father, that he seek-
eth my life ? And he said unto him :
God forbid, thou shalt not die ; for my
father will do nothing either great or
small but he will first show it me ; and
why should my father hide this thing
alone from me ? It shall not be so.
First Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Second Lesson.
A ND he sware moreover unto Da-
^ vid. And David said: Thy
father certainly knoweth that I have
found grace in thine eyes, and he will
say : Let not Jonathan know this, lest
haply he be grieved. But truly, as
the LORD liveth, and as thy soul
liveth, there is but, as it were, a step
between me and death. Then said
Jonathan unto David : Whatsoever thy
soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.
Second Responsory.
Ye mountains, &c., (p. 223.)
Third Lesson.
A ND David said unto Jonathan:
Behold, to-morrow is the New
Moon, and I should not fail to sit
with the King at meat ; therefore let
me go, that I may hide myself in the
field unto the third day at even. If
thy father at all miss me, then say :
David earnestly asked leave of me,
that he might run to Bethlehem his
city, for there is a yearly sacrifice
there for all the family. If he say
thus : It is well : thy servant shall
have peace. But if he be very
wroth, then be sure that evil is deter
mined by him.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Kings (xxi. i.)
""THEN came David to Nob to Ahi-
melech the Priest ; and Ahi-
melech was afraid at the meeting of
David, and said unto him : Why art
thou alone and no man with thee ?
And David said unto Ahimelech the
Priest : The King hath commanded
me a business, and hath said unto
me : Let no man know anything of
the business whereabout I send thee,
and what I have commanded thee :
and I have appointed my servants to
such and such a place. Now, there
fore, if thou hast anything under thine
hand, give it me, even five loaves of
bread, or what there is present.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
A ND the Priest answered David,
and said : There is no common
bread under mine hand, but there is
hallowed bread ; if the young men
have kept themselves at least from
women ? And David answered the
Priest, and said unto him : Of a truth,
women have been kept from us about
these three days, since we came out,
and the vessels of the young men are
holy. And the bread is in a manner
common, yea, though it were sancti
fied this day in the vessel. So the
282
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Priest gave him hallowed bread. For
there was no bread there but the
Shew-bread, that was taken from be
fore the LORD, to put hot bread.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(P. 224.)
Third Lesson.
"NT OW a certain man of the servants
of Saul was there that day, in
the tabernacle of the LORD, and his
name was Doeg, an Edomite, the
chiefest of the herdmen that belonged
to Saul. 1 And David said unto Ahi-
melech : Is there not here under thine
hand spear or sword ? For 1 have
neither brought my sword nor my
weapons with me, because the king s
business required haste. And the
Priest said : The sword of Goliath the
Philistine, whom thou slewest in the
valley of the oak, behold, it is here,
wrapped in a cloth, behind the Ephod ;
if thou wilt take that, take it. For
there is none other save that here.
And David said : There is none like
that, give it me. 2
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. 3 Ye mountains of Gilboa, *
let there be no dew, neither let there
be rain upon you ; for there the shield
of the mighty is vilely cast away, the
shield of Saul, as though he had not
been anointed with oil. How are the
mighty fallen in the midst of the
battle ! Jonathan is slain upon the
high places : Saul and Jonathan were
lovely and pleasant in their lives,
and in their death they were not
divided.
The Prayer is taken from the Lauds
of the succeeding Sunday.
Jiftfj Suntiag after
The Fifth Lord s Day after Pentecost.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Second Book of
Kings (i. i.)
1^" OW it came to pass after the
death of Saul, when David was
returned from the slaughter of the
Amalekites, and David had abode two
days in Ziklag ; it came even to pass
on the third day, that, behold, a man
came out of the camp of Saul, with
his clothes rent, and earth upon his
head. And when he came to David,
he fell upon his face, and did obeis-.
ance. And David said unto him :
From whence comest thou ? And he
said unto him : Out of the camp of
Israel am I escaped. And David
said unto him : How went the matter ?
Tell me. And he answered : The
people are fled from the battle, and
many of the people also are fallen
and dead : and Saul, and Jonathan
his son, are dead also.
1 He went and gave Saul an account of the whole affair, which cost the lives of eighty of the
clergy and their families. David on this occasion composed Psalm LI., "Why boastest thou
thyself, thou tyrant, c.," (p. 101.)
2 Before passing to the Second Book of Kings, the reader, if he take any interest in the
Sacred History, is strongly advised to read the tragic account of the last hours and death
of Saul, as found in chapters xxviii. and xxxi. " 2 Kings (Sam.) i. 21, 23.
FIFTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
283
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
A ND David said unto the young-
man that told him : How know-
est thou that Saul and Jonathan his
son be dead ? And the young man
that told him said : As I happened by
chance upon Mount Gilboa, behold,
Saul leaned upon his spear : and, lo,
the chariots and horsemen followed
hard after him ; and when he looked
behind him, he saw me, and he called
unto me. And I answered : Here am
I. And he said unto me : Who art
thou ? And I answered him : I am an
Amalekite. He said unto me again :
Stand upon me, and slay me, for
anguish is come upon me, because
my life is yet whole in me. So I
stood upon him and slew him : be
cause I was sure that he could not
live after he was fallen ; and I took
the crown that was upon his head,
and the bracelet that was on his arm,
and have brought them hither unto
my lord.
Second Responsory.
God, Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson.
HTHEN David took hold of his
clothes and rent them, and like
wise all the men that were with him.
And they mourned, and wept, and
fasted until even, for Saul, and for
Jonathan his son, and for the people
of the LORD, and for the house of
Israel, because they were fallen by the
sword. And David said unto the
young man that told him : Whence
art thou ? And he answered : I am
the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
And David said unto him : How wast
thou not afraid to stretch forth thine
hand to destroy the LORD S Anointed ?
And David called one of his young
men, and said : Go near, and fall
upon him. And he smote him that
he died. 1
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered, &c., (p.
222.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Moral [Reflections upon Job],
written by Pope St Gregory [the
Great.] (Bk. iv. ch. 3, 4.)
Y was it that David, who re
warded no evil to them that
did evil to him (Ps. vii. 5), when Saul
and Jonathan had fallen in battle,
cursed the mountains of Gilboa, say
ing : " Ye mountains of Gilboa, let
there be no dew, neither let there be
rain upon you, nor fields of offerings ;
for there the shield of the mighty is
vilely cast away, the shield of Saul,
as though he had not been anointed
with oil " ? Why was it that Jere
miah, when he saw that his preaching
was thrown away upon his hearers,
cursed and said : " Cursed be the
man who brought tidings to my
father, saying, A man-child is born
unto thee " ? (xx. 15.)
Fourth Responsory.
Saul hath slain, c., (p. 223.
1 It was upon this occasion that David composed the fine poem beginning, "The beauty of
Israel is slain," so often quoted in the Office, and which is to be found at length in 2 Kings
(Sam.) i. 19-27.
284
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Fifth Lesson.
\\ 7HAT had the mountains of Gil-
boa to do with the death of
Saul, that they should be condemned
to have dew fall on them no more,
neither rain, but should wither away,
barren of the green glory of the spring
time ? But this word " Gilboa " sig-
nifieth "bubbling fountain," 1 and the
death of Saul the Anointed of God
is a type of the death of our Anointed
Mediator. Thus we find in the moun
tains of Gilboa no unfit image of the
proud hearts of the Jews, which had
their spring in earthly desires, and
took part in the death of the Anointed
Saviour. And since among them their
Anointed Monarch met His death, the
dew of grace is upon them no more.
Fifth Responsory.
Ye mountains, &c., (p. 223.)
Sixth Lesson.
AND well is it said of them : " Let
there be upon you no fields of
offerings." The proud minds of the
Hebrews bear yet no offering. Since
the coming of their Redeemer, the
most part of them remain still without
belief in Him, and refuse to follow
the promise of their ancient faith.
The Holy Church hath borne for her
first-born, holy unto the Lord, a mul
titude of the Gentiles, and will, but in
the end of the world, embrace such
Jews as she then shall find, and pre
sent them as the last gatherings of
her harvest.
Sixth Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (ii. I.)
A ND it came to pass after this, that
David inquired of the LORD,
saying : Shall I go up into any of
the cities of Judah ? And the LORD
said unto him : Go up. And David
said : Whither shall I go up ? And
He said : Unto Hebron. So David
went up thither, and his two wives
also, Ahinoam, the Jezreelitess, and
Abigail, Nabal s wife, the Carmelite.
And his men that were with him did
David bring up, every man with his
household ; and they dwelt in the
cities of Hebron. And the men of
Judah came, and there they anointed
David king over the house of Judah.
First Responsory.
Remember, O Lord, &c., (p. 268.)
Second Lesson.
A ND they told David that the men
^ of Jabesh-Gilead had buried^
Saul. And David sent messengers
to the men of Jabesh-Gilead, saying :
1 Taken by the derivation this is perhaps a shade more correct than the Latin "decursus," or
down-flow.
- They burnt the body, which had been mutilated and gibbeted by the Philistines.
FIFTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
285
Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye
have showed this kindness unto your
lord, even unto Saul, and have buried
him. And now, the LORD show kind
ness and truth unto you ! And I also
will requite you this kindness, because
ye have done this thing. Therefore
now let your hands be strengthened,
and be ye valiant. For although
your master Saul is dead, yet the
house of Judah have anointed me
king over them.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(P- 224.)
Third Lesson.
B
T Abner, the son of Ner, Cap
tain of Saul s host, took Ish-
bosheth, the son of Saul, and brought
him over to the army, and made him
king over Gilead, and over the
Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over
Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and
over all Israel. Ish-bosheth, Saul s
son, was forty years old when he
began to reign over Israel, and he
reigned two years. But the house of
Judah alone followed David. And the
time that David was King in Hebron,
over the house of Judah, was seven
years and six months.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (iii. 6.)
AND it came to pass, while there
** was war between the house of
Saul and the house of David, that
Abner, the son of Ner, ruled the
house of Saul. And Saul had a
concubine whose name was Rizpah,
the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-
bosheth said to Abner : Wherefore
hast thou gone in unto my father s
concubine ? Then was Abner very
wroth for the words of Ish-bosheth,
and said : Am I a dog s head, which,
against Judah, do show kindness this
day unto the house of Saul thy father,
to his brethren, and to his friends,
and have not delivered thee into the
hand of David that thou chargest me
to-day with a fault concerning this
woman ? So do God to Abner, and
more also, except, as the LORD hath
sworn to David, so I do to him ; to
translate the kingdom from Saul, and
to set up the throne of David over
Israel and over Judah, from Dan even
to Beersheba.
First Responsory.
Lord, when Thy people, &c., (p.
269.)
Second Lesson.
AND Abner sent messengers to
David on his behalf, saying :
Whose is the land ? Saying also :
Make thy league with me ; and my
hand shall be with thee, to bring
about all Israel unto thee. And he
said : Well I will make a league
with thee ; but one thing I require of
thee that is, thou shalt not see my
face except thou first bring Michal, 1
Saul s daughter. So shalt thou come
and see me. And David sent mes
sengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul s son, say
ing : Deliver to me my wife Michal,
which I espoused to me for an hun
dred foreskins of the Philistines. 2
1 Saul had given her to David for his first wife, and she had afterwards been taken from him
by her family. - i Kings (Sam.) xviii. 25-27.
VOL. III. K 2
286
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
And Ish-bosheth sent and took her
from her husband, even from Phaltiel,
the son of Laish. And her husband
went with her along, weeping behind
her, to Bahurim ; then said Abner unto
him : Go, return. And he returned.
Second Responsory.
And it came to pass, &c., (p. 270.)
Third Lesson.
AND Abner had communication
with the elders of Israel, say
ing : Ye sought for David not yester
day only to be King over you. Now,
then, do it ; for the LORD hath spoken
of David, saying : By the hand of My
servant David I will save My people
Israel out of the hand of the Philis
tines, and out of the hand of all
their enemies. And Abner also spake
in the ears of Benjamin. And he
went also to speak in the ears of
David in Hebron all that seemed
good to Israel, and that seemed good
to the whole house of Benjamin. So
Abner came to David to Hebron, and
twenty men with him ; and David
made Abner, and the men that were
with him, a feast. And Abner said
unto David : I will arise, and will
gather all Israel unto my lord the
King.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
Fourth Day,
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (iv. 5.)
A ND the sons of Rimmon the Ber-
othite, Rechab and Baanah, went,
and came about the heat of the day
to the house of Ish-bosheth ; who lay
on a bed at noon. And the maid
servant, that kept the door, was there
winnowing grain, but she was asleep.
And Rechab and Baanah his brother
came into the house stealthily, as
though they would have fetched ears
of wheat, and they smote him in the
groin, and escaped. For when they
came into the house he lay asleep upon
his bed in his bedchamber, and they
smote him, and slew him, and took his
head, and gat them away by the way of
the desert all night. And they brought
the head of Ish-bosheth unto David to
Hebron, and said to the King : Behold
the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul,
thine enemy, which sought thy life.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
AND David answered Rechab and
^^ Baanah his brother, the sons of
Rimmon the Berothite, and said unto
them : As the LORD liveth, Who hath
redeemed my soul out of all adversity,
when one told me, saying, Saul is
dead, thinking to have brought good
tidings, I took hold of him and slew
him in Ziklag ; who thought that I
would have given him a reward for
his tiding s. How much more now,
when wicked men have slain an harm
less person in his own house upon
his bed, shall I not therefore require
his blood of your hand, and take you
away from the earth ? And David
commanded his young men, and they
slew them ; and cut off their hands and
their feet and hanged them up over the
pool in Hebron. But they took the
head of Ish-bosheth, and buried it in
the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.
FIFTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
287
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(P. 224.)
Third Lesson.
"THEN came all the tribes of Israel
to David unto Hebron, saying :
Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
Also in time past, when Saul was
King over us, thou wast he that led-
dest out and broughtest in Israel ;
and the LORD said to thee : Thou
shalt feed My people Israel, and thou
shalt be a Captain over Israel. So
all the elders of Israel came to the
King to Hebron, and King David
made a league with them in Hebron
before the LORD ; and they anointed
David King over Israel. David was
thirty years old when he began to
reign, and he reigned forty years. In
Hebron he reigned over Judah seven
years and six months ; and in Jeru
salem he reigned thirty and three
years over all Israel and Judah. And
the King and his men went to Jeru
salem, unto the Jebusites, the inhab
itants of the land ; which spake unto
David, saying : Except thou take away
the blind and the lame thou shalt not
come in hither thinking : David can
not come in hither. Nevertheless
David took the stronghold of Zion
the same is the city of David.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
A GAIN, David gathered together
all the chosen men of Israel,
thirty thousand. And David arose,
and went, with all the people that
were with him of the men of Judah,
to bring up the Ark of God, whereon
is called the Name of the LORD of
hosts, That sitteth between the Cheru
bim thereon. And they set the Ark
of God upon a new cart, and brought
it out of the house of Abinadab, that
was in Gibeah. And Uzzah and
Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the
new cart.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
A ND they brought it out of the
house of Abinadab, which was
at Gibeah, accompanying the Ark of
God, and Ahio went before the Ark.
And David and all the house of Israel
played before the LORD on all manner
of instruments made of cypress-wood,
even on harps, and on psalteries, and
on timbrels, and on cornets, and on
cymbals. And when they came to
Nachon s threshing-floor, Uzzah put
forth his hand to the Ark of God,
and took hold of it, for the oxen
stumbled and shook it. And the
anger of the LORD was kindled against
Uzzah, and He smote him there for
his presumption ; and there he died,
by the Ark of God.
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (vi. i . )
Second Respotisory.
God Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson.
A ND David was grieved because
^^ the LORD had smitten Uzzah,
and the name of the place is called
288
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
" The Smiting of Uzzah " to this day.
And David was afraid of the LORD
that day, and said : How shall the
Ark of the LORD come to me ? So
David would not remove the Ark of
the LORD unto him into the city of
David ; but David carried it aside
into the house of Obed-edom the
Gittite. And the Ark of the LORD
continued in the house of Obed-edom
the Gittite three months. And the
LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his
household. And it was told King Da
vid, saying : The LORD hath blessed
Obed-edom and all that pertaineth un
to him, because of the Ark of God.
So David went, and brought up the
Ark of God from the house of Obed-
edom into the city of David, with
gladness.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(p. 222.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (vii. 4.)
AND, behold, the word of the LORD
^^ came unto Nathan, saying : Go,
and tell My servant David : Thus
saith the LORD : Shalt thou build Me
an house for Me to dwell in ? where
as I have not dwelt in any house since
the time that I brought up the child
ren of Israel out of Egypt even to
this day, but have walked in a tent
and in a tabernacle.
First Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Second Lesson.
T N all the places wherein I have
walked with all the children of
Israel, spake I a word with any of
the tribes of Israel, whom I com
manded to feed My people Israel,
saying : Why build ye not Me an
house of cedar ? Now, therefore, so
shalt thou say unto My servant Da
vid : Thus saith the LORD of hosts :
I took thee from the sheep-cote, from
following the sheep, to be ruler over
My people, over Israel, and I was
with thee whithersoever thou wentest,
and have cut off all thine enemies
out of thy sight, and have made thee
a great name, like unto the name of
the great men that are in the earth.
Moreover, I will appoint a place for
My people Israel, and will plant them,
that they may dwell in a place of their
own, and move no more ; neither
shall the children of wickedness afflict
them any more, as beforetime, and
as since the time that I commanded
judges to be over My people Israel.
And I will cause thee to rest from all
thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth
thee, that He, the Lord, will make
thee an house.
Second Responsory.
Ye mountains, c., (p. 223.)
Third Lesson.
AND when thy days be fulfilled and
^^ thou shalt sleep with thy fathers,
I will set up thy seed after thee, which
shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I
will establish his kingdom. He shall
build an house for My Name, and I
will establish the throne of his king
dom for ever. I will be his Father,
and he shall be My son. If he com
mit iniquity, I will chasten him with
the rod of men, and with the stripes
FIFTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
289
of the children of men. But My
mercy shall not depart away from
him, as I took it from Saul, whom
I put away from before Me. And
thine house and thy kingdom shall
be established for ever before thee,
and thy throne shall be built in
strength. According to all these
words, and according to all this
vision, so did Nathan speak unto
David.
J^hird Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, (p. 223.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (xi. i.)
A ND it came to pass, at the turn
^^ of the year, at the time when
kings go forth to battle, that David
sent Joab, and his servants with him,
and all Israel, and they wasted the
children of Ammon, and besieged
Rabbah. But David tarried still at
Jerusalem. And it came to pass in
an evening-tide, that David arose from
off his bed, and walked upon the roof
of the King s house. And from the
roof he saw a woman washing herself,
over against his house. And the
woman was very beautiful to look
upon. And David sent and inquired
after the woman. And one said :
Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter
of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the
Hittite ? And David sent messengers
and took her.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
AND she returned unto her house,
having conceived seed. And
she sent and told David, saying : I
am with child. And David sent to
Joab, saying : Send me Uriah the
Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to
David. And Uriah came unto David.
And David demanded how Joab did,
and how the people did, and how the
war prospered. And David said to
Uriah : Go down to thine house, and
wash thy feet. And Uriah departed
out of the King s house, and there
followed him a mess of meat from the
King. But Uriah slept at the door
of the King s house, with all the
servants of his lord, and went not
down to his house. And when they
had told David, saying : Uriah went
not down to his house, David said
unto Uriah : Camest thou not from
thy journey ? why then didst thou
not go down unto thine house ? And
Uriah said unto David : The Ark of
God, and Israel, and Judah abide
in tents, and my lord Joab, and the
servants of my lord are encamped
in the open fields ; shall I then go
into mine house, to eat and to drink,
and to sleep with my wife ? As thou
livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will
not do this thing.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
AND David said to Uriah ; Tarry
^"^ here to-day also, and to-morrow
I will let thee depart. So Uriah
abode in Jerusalem that day and the
morroAv, and David called him to eat
and drink before him ; and he made
him drunk. And at even he went
out, and slept upon his bed with the
servants of his lord ; but went not
290
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
down to his house. And it came to
pass, in the morning, that David wrote
a letter to Joab, and sent it by the
hand of Uriah ; and he wrote in the
letter, saying : Set ye Uriah in the
fore-front of the hottest battle, and
retire ye from him, that he may be
smitten and die. And it came to pass
when Joab assaulted the city, that he
assigned Uriah unto a place where
he knew that valiant men were. And
the men of the city went out and
fought with Joab, and there fell some
of the people, of the servants of David,
and Uriah the Hittite died also.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin, T I beseech Thee, * O Lord,
do away the iniquity of Thy servant,
for I have done very foolishly.
The Prayer is taken from the Lauds
of the succeeding Sunday.
Stxtij Suntiag after Pentecost.
The Sixth Lord^s Day after Pentecost.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN,
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (xii. i.)
A ND the LORD sent Nathan unto
^^ David. And he came unto him,
and said unto him : There were two
men in one city, the one rich, and
the other poor. The rich man had
exceeding many flocks and herds ;
but the poor man had nothing save
one little ewe -lamb, which he had
bought and nourished up. And it
grew up together with him, and with
his children. It did eat of his own
meat, and drank of his own cup, and
lay in his bosom, and was unto him
as a daughter. And there came a
traveller unto the rich man ; and he
spared to take of his own flock and
of his own herd, to dress for the
wayfaring man that was come unto
him ; but took the poor man s lamb,
and dressed it for the man that was
come unto him.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
A ND David s anger was greatly kin-
^ died against the man, and he
said to Nathan : As the LORD liveth,
the man that hath done this thing
shall surely die. He shall restore the
lamb four-fold, because he did this
thing, and because he had no pity.
And Nathan said to David : Thou
art the man Thus saith the LORD
God of Israel : I anointed thee king-
over Israel, and I delivered thee
out of the hand of Saul, and I gave
thee thy master s house, and thy
master s wives into thy bosom, and
gave thee the house of Israel and of
Judah : and if that had been too little,
I would moreover have given unto
thee much greater things. Where
fore hast thou despised the command
ment of the LORD, to do evil in His
sight ? Thou hast killed Uriah the
Hittite with the sword, and hast taken
his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain
him with the sword of the children
of Ammon.
i Par. (Chron.) xxi. 8.
SIXTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
291
Second Responsory.
God Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson.
1\J OW, therefore the sword shall
never depart from thine house ;
because thou hast despised Me, and
hast taken the wife of Uriah the
Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith
the LORD : Behold, I will raise up
evil against thee out of thine house ;
and I will take thy wives before thine
eyes, and give them unto thy neigh
bour ; and he shall lie with thy wives
in the sight of this sun. For thou
didst it secretly ; but I will do this
thing before all Israel, and before the
sun. And David said unto Nathan :
I have sinned against the LORD.
And Nathan said unto David : The
LORD also hath put away thy sin
thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because
by this deed thou hast given great
occasion to the enemies of the LORD
to blaspheme, the child also that is
born unto thee shall surely die. And
Nathan departed unto his house. And
the LORD struck the child that Uriah s
wife bare unto David, and it was
very sick. David therefore besought
the Lord for the child ; and David
fasted, and went in, and lay upon the
earth. 1
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(p. 222.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The* Lesson is taken from the Book
" On the Defence of David " written
by St Ambrose, Bishop [of Milan.]
T N how many things doth each one
of us transgress every hour !
And nevertheless not one of all us
common men thinketh it well to con
fess his sin. Yet that strong and
great King would not suffer the
acknowledgment of his iniquity to
remain, even for a moment, hidden
in his own heart. With eager con
fession and bitter sorrow, he admitted
that he had sinned against the Lord.
Which of you will easily find me now
some honoured and wealthy person,
who will not take it ill if I rebuke him
for a fault whereof he is guilty ? But
David, amid the splendours of a
throne and the certainty of Divine re
velations, when he was rebuked by
one of his subjects for his grievous
transgression, was not roused to anger,
but contrariwise, acknowledged his
sin with groans and affliction.
Fourth Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Fifth Lesson.
^PHE heart-felt sorrow of David
moved the Lord to compassion,
so that Nathan said : Because thou
hast repented, the Lord also hath put
away thy sin. The instant gift of
pardon declareth the depth of the
King s repentance, which was able
to obtain the forgiveness of so
grievous a transgression. Other men,
when they be rebuked of Priests, do
but aggravate the heinousness of their
sins by the seeking" to deny or to ex
cuse them, and thereby make deeper
their fall by means of that which
should have helped them up. But
the saints of the Lord who will to
fight a good fight of godliness unto
1 The child died. The next few verses in the Bible describe, very touchingly, the conduct of
David on the occasion and, afterwards, how Solomon was born of Bathsheba. David com
posed the Miserere during his repentance.
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
the end and to finish their course by
saving their souls, howbeit, they may
perchance have fallen like other men,
have done so rather through man s
weakness than through lust for ini
quity, and rise more eager to go
on than before. Shame goadeth
them on to fly at higher things.
So that not only is their fall to be
reckoned to have nowise hampered
them, but rather to have quickened
their speed.
FiftJi Responsory.
Ye mountains, &c., (p. 223.)
Sixth Lesson. (Ch. iv. )
T^AVID sinned; and so oftentimes
do other kings. David re
pented with groaning and tears ; and
so do not oftentimes other kings. He
admitted his guilt ; he implored for
giveness ; he cast himself down upon
the ground, and there wept over his
crime ; he fasted ; he prayed ; by
publishing his sorrow he left an ever
lasting witness of his acknowledg
ment. 1 What meaner men blush to
do, the King was not ashamed to
own. They who are answerable to
law are bold to deny their crimes,
and too haughty to ask pardon. Not
so he, though he could be haled be
fore no earthly judgment-seat. That
he sinned was a matter flowing from
his nature ; that he asked for pardon,
his own repentance. To fall is com
mon to all men, but his confession
was his own. To transgress thus
was nature ; to efface his guilt, great
ness.
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (xiii. 22.)
AND Absalom spake unto his
brother Amnon neither good
nor bad ; for Absalom hated Amnon,
because he had forced his sister
Tamar. And it came to pass, after
two full years, that Absalom had
sheep-shearers in Baal-hazor, which
is beside Ephraim ; and Absalom
invited all the king s sons. And
[Absalom] came to the King, and
said : Behold, now, thy servant hath
sheep-shearers ; let the King, I be
seech thee, and his servants, go with
thy servant. And the King said to
Absalom : Nay, my son, let us not
all go now, lest we be chargeable
unto thee. And he pressed him ;
howbeit, he would not go, but blessed
him.
First Responsory.
Remember, O Lord, Thy covenant,
&c., (p. 268.)
Sixth Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
1 I.e., in the Psalm "Miserere."
Second Lesson.
HTHEN said Absalom: If not,
I pray thee, let my brother
Amnon go with us. And the King
SIXTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
293
said unto him : Why should he go
with thee ? But Absalom pressed
him, that he let Amnon and all the
King s sons go with him. Now Ab
salom had made a feast like one of
the King s feasts. And Absalom had
commanded his servants, saying :
Mark ye now when Amnon s heart is
merry with wine ; and when I say
unto you, Smite him, then kill him,
fear not. For it is I that have com
manded you. Be courageous, and be
valiant. And the servants of Ab
salom did unto Amnon as Absalom
had commanded. Then all the King s
sons arose, and every man gat him up
upon his mule, and fled.
Second Responsory,
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
AND it came to pass, while they
were in the way, that tidings
came to David, saying" : Absalom
hath slain all the King s sons : and
there is not one of them left. Then
the King arose, and tare his garments,
and lay on the earth ; and all his
servants stood by with their clothes
rent. And Jonadab, the son of
Shimeah, 1 David s brother, answered
and said : Let not my lord the King-
suppose that they have slain all the
young men the King s sons ; for
Amnon only is dead for by the ap
pointment of Absalom this hath been
determined from the day that he
forced his sister Tamar. Now there
fore let not my lord the King take the
thing to his heart, to think that all
the King s sons are dead ; for Amnon
only is dead. But Absalom fled.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
1 I.e., Sharama.
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (xiv. 4.)
A ND when the woman of Tekoah 2
was come in unto the King s
presence, she fell on her face to the
ground, and did obeisance, and said :
Help, O King ! And the King said
unto her : What aileth thee ? And
she said : Alas for me, I am a widow
woman, for mine husband is dead.
And thine handmaid had two sons,
and they two strove together in the
field, and there was none to part
them, but the one smote the other
and slew him. And, behold, the
whole family is risen against thine
handmaid, and they said : Deliver
him that smote his brother, that we
may kill him, for the life of his
brother, whom he slew, and we will
destroy the heir also : and so they
shall quench my coal which is left,
and shall not leave to mine husband
either name or remainder upon the
earth.
First Responsory.
Lord, when Thy people, &c., (p.
269.)
Second Lesson.
AND the King said :. Whosoever
^^ saith aught unto thee, bring
him to me, and he shall not touch
thee any more. Then said she : I
pray thee, let the King remember the
LORD thy God, that they of the kin
ship be not suffered to seek further
for vengeance, and to destroy my
2 She was an agent of Joab.
294
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
son. And he said : As the LORD
liveth, there shall not one hair of thy
son fall to the earth. Then the
woman said : Let thine handmaid
speak one word unto my lord the
King. And he said : Say on. And
the woman said : Wherefore then
hast thou thought such a thing against
the people of God, and wherefore doth
the King speak this thing as one
which is faulty, in that the King doth
not fetch home again his banished ?
For we must needs all die, and are as
water spilt on the ground, which
cannot be gathered up again. Neither
is it the will of God that a soul should
perish, but He repenteth Him, lest
He should utterly destroy the cast
away.
Second Responsory.
And it came to pass, &c., (p. 270.)
Third Lesson. (19.)
AND the King said : Is not the
"^^ hand of Joab with thee in all
this ? And the woman answered and
said : As thy soul liveth, my Lord the
King, none can turn to the right hand
or to the left from aught that my lord
the King hath spoken ; for thy servant
Joab, he bade me, and he put all these
words in the mouth of thine handmaid.
That I should fetch about this form of
speech, thy servant Joab commanded
it ; but thou art wise, O my lord the
King, according to the wisdom of an
Angel of God, to know all things that
are in the earth. And the King said
unto Joab : Behold, now, I am recon
ciled to do after thy word ; go there
fore, and bring the young man Absalom
again.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (xv. i.)
AND it came to pass after this that
^~^ Absalom prepared him chariots
and horse-men, and fifty men to run
before him. And Absalom rose up
early, and stood beside the entering-in
of the gate ; and it was so that when
any man that had a controversy came
to the King for judgment, then Ab
salom called unto him, and said : Of
what city art thou ? And he said :
Thy servant is of one of the tribes of
Israel. And Absalom said unto him :
See, thy matters are good and right ;
but there is no man deputed of the
King to hear thee.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
A BSALOM said moreover : O that
I were made judge in the land,
that every man which hath any suit or
cause might come unto me, and I
would do him justice ! And it was so,
that when any man came nigh to him
to do him obeisance, he put forth his
hand, and took him, and kissed him.
And on this manner did Absalom to
all Israel that came to the King for
judgment ; so Absalom stole the hearts
of the men of Israel.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(P. 224.)
SIXTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
295
Third Lesson,
AND it came to pass after forty
years that Absalom said unto
King David : I will go and pay my
vow which I have vowed unto the
LORD in Hebron. For thy servant
vowed a vow while I abode in Geshur
in Syria, saying : If the LORD shall
bring me again indeed to Jerusalem,
then I will offer a sacrifice unto the
LORD. And King David said unto
him : Go in peace. So he arose, and
went to Hebron. But Absalom sent
spies throughout all the tribes of Israel,
saying : As soon as ye hear the sound
of the trumpet, then ye shall say -
Absalom reigneth in Hebron.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (xv. 13.)
AND there came a messenger to
~^^ David, saying : The heart of all
Israel is after Absalom. And David
said unto his servants that were with
him at Jerusalem : Arise, let us flee ;
for we shall not else escape from
Absalom. Make speed to depart, lest
he overtake us suddenly, and bring
evil upon us, and smite the city with
the edge of the sword. And the
King s servants said unto him : Thy
servants are ready to do whatsoever
our lord the King shall appoint.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
A ND the King went forth, and all
^^ his household after him on foot ;
and the King left ten women, which
were concubines, to keep the house.
And the King and all Israel went
forth, on foot, and tarried in a place
that was far off ; and all his servants
passed on beside him, and all the
Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and
all the Gittites, valiant men of war,
six hundred, which came after him from
Gath, passed on before him.
Second Responsory.
God Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson.
^THEN said the King to Ittai the
Gittite : Wherefore goest thou
also with us ? Return to thy place,
and abide with the King ; for thou art
a stranger, and also an exile. Where
as thou earnest but yesterday, should I
this day make thee go out with us ?
As for me, I go whither I go ; return
thou, and take back with thee thy
brethren ; and the Lord will deal with
thee in mercy and in truth, because
thou hast showed me kindness and
faithfulness. 1
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(P. 222.)
1 Verse 21. And Ittai answered the King, and said : As the LORD liveth, and as my lord
the King liveth, surely in what place my lord the King shall be, whether in death or life, even
there also will thy servant be.
296
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (xvi. 5.)
AND when King David came to
^^ Bahurim, behold, thence came
out a man of the family of the house of
Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son
of Gera. He came forth, and cursed
still as he came ; and he cast stones at
David, and at all the servants of King-
David. And all the people, and all
the mighty men were on the King s
right hand and his left. And thus
said Shimei when he cursed the King :
Come out, come out, thou bloody man,
and thou man of Belial. The LORD
hath returned upon thee all the blood
of the house of Saul, in whose stead
thou hast reigned. 1
First Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Second Lesson. ( 9 . )
T
HEN said Abishai the son of
Zeruiah unto the King : Why
should this dead dog curse my lord
the King ? Let me go over, and take
off his head. And the King said :
What have I to do with you, ye
sons of Zeruiah ? Let him curse ;
because the LORD hath said unto
him: Curse David and who shall
then dare to say : Wherefore hast
thou done so ?
Second Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, c., (p.
223.)
Third Lesson.
A ND the King said to Abishai, and
"^^ to all his servants : Behold, my
son, which came forth of my bowels,
seeketh my life ; how much more now
may this Benjamite do it ? Let him
alone, and let him curse, for the LORD
hath bidden him. It may be that the
LORD will look on mine affliction, and
that the LORD will requite me good for
his cursing this day.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Kings (xviii. 6.)
CO the people went out into the field
against Israel ; and the battle
was in the wood of Ephraim. There
the people of Israel were slain before
the army of David : and there was
there a great slaughter that day, of
twenty thousand men. For the battle
was there, scattered over the face of
all the country, and the wood devoured
more people that day than the sword
devoured.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
A ND Absalom met the servants of
^^ David, and he rode upon a mule ;
and the mule went under the thick
1 The text continues : " And the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom
thy son. And, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief because thou art a bloody man."
SEVENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
297
boughs of a great oak, and his head
caught hold of the oak, and he was
taken up between the heaven and the
earth, and the mule that was under
him went away. And a certain man
saw it, and told Joab, and said : I saw
Absalom hanged in an oak. And
Joab said unto the man that told
him : If thou sawest him, why didst
thou not smite him there to the ground ?
And I would have given thee ten shekels
of silver, and a girdle. And the man
said unto Joab : Though I should re
ceive a thousand shekels of silver in
mine hand, yet would I not put forth
mine hand against the King s son ; for
in our hearing the King charged thee,
and Abishai, and Ittai, saying : Be
ware, and save for me my child Ab
salom.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
HP HEN said Joab : Though thou
will it not, yet will I go up
against him before thy face. And he
took three darts in his hand, and
thrust them through the heart of Ab
salom ; and while he yet hung quiver
ing with life in the oak, ten young men
that bare Joab s armour, compassed
about, and smote Absalom and slew
him. And Joab blew the trumpet,
and the people returned from pursuing
after Israel, for Joab was fain to spare
the multitude. And they took Absalom
and cast him into a great pit in the
wood, and laid a very great heap of
stones upon him.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, c., (p. 225.)
Nathan the Prophet anointed Solomon
King in Gihon, and they went up with
joy, and cried, saying : May the King
live for ever !
Note. The above is the First Satur
day evening Antiphon which can be
displaced by "Wisdom hath builded,
c."
Prayer from the succeeding Lauds.
Sefaentfj Simfcag after
cost.
The Seventh Lord s Day after Pente
cost.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Third Book of
Kings (i. i.)
j\J OW King David was old, and
stricken in years : and they
covered him with clothes, but he gat
no heat. Wherefore his servants said
unto him : Let there be sought for my
lord the King a young virgin, and let
her stand before the King, and let her
cherish him, and let her lie in thy
bosom, that my lord the King may
get heat. So they sought for a fair
damsel throughout all the coasts of
Israel, and found Abishag, a Shunam-
ite, and brought her to the King. And
the damsel was very fair, and slept
with the King, and ministered unto
him ; but the King knew her not.
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. And Zadok the Priest * and
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 22 1/
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Lesson.
HPHEN Adonijah, the son of Hag-
g ith, 1 exalted himself, saying : I
will be King. And he prepared him
chariots, and horsemen, and fifty men
to run before him. And his father
had not chidden him at any time, say
ing : Why hast thou done so ? And
he also was a very goodly man, and
his mother bare him after Absalom.
And he conferred with Joab the son of
Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the Priest,
and they, following Adonijah, helped
him. But Zadok the Priest, and
Benaiah the son of Jehoiadah, and
Nathan the Prophet, and Shimei, and
Rei, and the mighty men w r hich be
longed to David, were not with
Adonijah.
Second Responsory.
God Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson. ( 1 1 . )
HEREFORE Nathan spake unto
Bathsheba the mother of Sol
omon, saying" : Hast thou not heard
that Adonijah, the son of Haggith,
doth reign, and David our lord know-
eth it not ? Now therefore come, let
me, I pray thee, give thee counsel,
that thou mayest save thine own life,
and the life of thy son Solomon. Go,
and get thee in unto King David, and
say unto him : Didst not thou, O my
lord King, swear unto thine handmaid,
saying, Solomon thy son shall reign
after me, and he shall sit upon my
throne ? Why, then, doth Adonijah
reign ? And while thou yet talkest
there with the King, I also will come
in after thee, and confirm thy words.
And Bathsheba went in unto the King,
into the chamber.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(p. 222.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Epistle
written to Nepotian by St Jerome,
Priest [at Bethlehem.] (Ep. ii.
torn. i. )
Al/ HEN David, who had once been
a man of war, was seventy
years old, the chill of old age came
upon him, and he could get no heat.
So they sought out for him throughout
all the coasts of Israel Abishag the
Shunamite, to sleep with the king and
to warm his aged body. Who is this
Shunamite, wife and yet virgin, so hot,
that she could heat the chilly, so holy,
that her warmth provoked him not to
lust ? Let Solomon the Wise explain
his father s enjoyment, and the "Peace
ful One" 2 tell of the warrior s embraces.
" Get wisdom, get understanding ; for
get it not, neither decline from the
words of my mouth ; forsake her not,
and she shall preserve thee ; love her,
and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is
the principal thing ; therefore get wis
dom ; and with all thy getting, get
understanding. Exalt her, and she
shall promote thee. Honour her, and
she shall embrace thee, and shall give
to thine head an ornament of grace.
She shall compass thee like a crown
of delights." (Prov. iv. 5-9.)
Fourth Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Fifth Lesson.
T N old men almost all the powers of
the body become weakened, and
while wisdom only is increasing, all
And of David.
- A pun on the name " Solomon," which signifies " Peaceful."
SEVENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
299
things else beside wisdom fail. Then
faileth strength for fasting, for watch
ing, for "chameuniae," (that is, sleep
ing on the floor,) for wandering hither
and thither, for receiving strangers, for
defending the poor, for instance and
constancy in prayer, for visiting the
sick, for that work with the hands
whence alms are given. I need not
treat of this with long talk, but, in
short, when the body is broken down,
all the works of the body wax en
feebled.
Fifth Responsory.
Ye mountains, &c., (p. 223.)
Sixth Lesson.
"VT EITHER do I say, on the other
hand, that wisdom, which in
many old men drivelleth into second
childhood, is weak, or wanting in such
of the young and stout, as win knowledge
by work and earnest study, by holiness
of life and instancy of prayer to the
Lord JESUS, but this I do say, that the
more spiritual faculties have in youth
many wrestlings with the body to go
through, and that, what with violent
provocations to vice, and what with
the sensual ticklings of the flesh, they
are apt to be smothered like fire among
green wood, and not able to blaze forth
in all their brightness. But when old
age cometh upon them, who have spent
their youth in acquiring sound know
ledge, and have meditated in the law
of the Lord day and night, it hath this
effect on them, to make them more
learned by their increased years, more
experienced by constant use, more wise,
through the advance of time and, in
short, doth offer them the rich harvest
of their past diligence.
Sixth Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
My sins, &c., (p. 224.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
Seco?id Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (i. 28.)
HP HEN King David answered, and
said : Call me Bathsheba. And
she came into the King s presence,
and stood before the King. And the
King sware, and said : As the LORD
liveth, that hath redeemed my soul
out of all distress, even as I sware
unto thee by the LORD God of Israel,
saying : Assuredly, Solomon thy son
shall reign after me, and he shall sit
upon my throne in my stead even
so will I certainly do this day. Then
Bathsheba bowed with her face to the
earth, and did reverence to the King,
and said : Let my lord David live for
ever.
First Responsory.
Remember, O Lord, Thy covenant,
&c., (p. 268.)
Second Lesson.
A ND King David said : Call me
^*- Zadok the Priest, and Nathan
the Prophet, and Benaiah the son of
Jehoiadah. And they came before the
King, and he said unto them : Take
with you the servants of your lord,
and cause Solomon my son to ride
upon mine own mule, and bring him
3 oo
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
down to Gihon, and let Zadok the
Priest and Nathan the Prophet anoint
him there King over Israel. And
blow ye with the trumpet and say :
God save King Solomon ? Then ye
shall come up after him, that he may
come, and sit upon my throne, for he
shall be King in my stead.
Second Responsory.
Lord, Thou hast hearkened,
&c., (p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
CO Zadok the Priest, and Nathan
*^ the Prophet, and Benaiah the
son of Jehoiadah, and the Cherethites,
and Pelethites, 1 went down, and caused
Solomon to ride upon King David s
mule, and brought him to Gihon.
And Zadok the Priest took a horn
of oil out of the tabernacle, and
anointed Solomon ; and they blew the
trumpet, and all the people said : God
save King Solomon ! And all the
people came up after him, and the
people piped with pipes, and rejoiced
with great joy, so that the earth rang
with the sound of them.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (ii. I.)
TVJ OW the days of David drew nigh,
that he should die. And he
charged Solomon his son, saying : I
go the way of all the earth ; be thou
strong, therefore, and show thyself a
man. And keep the charge of the
LORD thy God, to walk in His ways,
to keep His statutes, and His com
mandments, and His judgments, and
His testimonies, as it is written in
the law of Moses, that thou mayest
have understanding in whatsoever thou
doest, and whithersoever thou turnest
thyself; that the LORD may continue
His word, which He spake concerning
me, saying : If thy children take heed
to their way, to walk before Me in
truth with all their heart, and with all
their soul, there shall not fail thee a
man on the throne of Israel.
First Responsory.
Lord, when Thy people, &c.,
(P. 269.)
Second Lesson.
ly/TOREOVER thou knowest also
what Joab the son of Zeruiah
did to me, 2 and what he did to the
two captains of the hosts of Israel,
unto Abner, 3 the son of Ner, and unto
Amasa 4 the son of Jether, whom he
slew ; and shed the blood of war in
peace, and put the blood of w-ar upon
his girdle that was about his loins,
and in his shoes, that were on his
feet. Do therefore according to thy
wisdom, and let not his hoar head go
down to the grave in peace.
Second Responsory.
And it came to pass, &c., (p. 270.)
(Gesenius.)
1 Cherethites and Pelethites = executioners and runners.
2 Perhaps referring to the death of Absalom.
3 He assassinated him from a motive of private revenge when he came to make his peace
with David at Hebron. 2 Kings (Sam.) iii. 27.
4 He assassinated him, probably on suspicion of treachery. 2 Kings (Sam.) xx. 10.
SEVENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
301
Third Lesson.
TDUT show kindness unto the sons
of Barzillai the Gileadite, and
let them be of those that eat at thy
table. For so they came to me, when
I fled from before Absalom thy brother.
And, behold, thou hast with thee
Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite
of Bahurim, which cursed me with a
grievous curse in the day when I
went to " the Two-Camps ; " l but he
came down to meet me when I passed
over Jordan, and I sware to him by
the LORD, saying : I will not put thee
to death with the sword ; now, there
fore, hold him not guiltless. 2
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (iii. 5.)
HPHE LORD appeared to Solomon in
a dream by night, and said :
Ask what I shall give thee. And
Solomon said : Thou hast showed un
to Thy servant David my father great
mercy, according as he walked before
Thee in truth and in righteousness,
and in uprightness of heart with
Thee ; and Thou hast kept for him
this great kindness, that Thou hast
given him a son to sit upon his
throne, as it is this day.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
AND now, O LORD my God, Thou
^^ hast made Thy servant King
instead of David my father ; and I
am but a little child ; I know not
how to go out or come in. And Thy
servant is in the midst of Thy people
which Thou hast chosen, a great
people, that cannot be numbered nor
counted for multitude. Give there
fore Thy servant an understanding-
heart, to judge Thy people, that I
may discern between good and bad.
For who is able to judge this Thy
so great a people ?
Second Respo7isory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(P. 2240
Third Lesson.
AND the speech pleased the Lord,
*^^ that Solomon had asked this
thing. And the Lord said unto
Solomon : Because thou hast asked
this thing, and hast not asked for
thyself long life, neither riches, nor
the life of thine enemies, but hast
asked for thyself understanding to
discern judgment ; behold, I have
done according to thy words, and have
given unto thee a wise and an under
standing heart, so that there was none
like thee before thee, neither after thee
shall any arise like unto thee. And
I have also given thee that which thou
hast not asked, both riches and honour,
so that there shall not be any among
the kings like unto thee all thy days.
1 Probably the place where Jacob met the " hosts of God," and which he called Mahanaim,
" Two-camps."
2 Solomon afterwards had him put to death. 3 (i) Kings ii. 46. This command is the last
recorded words of David. Verse 10 says : " So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in
the city of David."
302
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, unto the cry,
(P. 225.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (iv. 21.)
AND Solomon reigned over all
kingdoms from the river of the
land of the Philistines unto the border
of Egypt ; they brought him presents
and served him all the days of his
life. And Solomon s provision for one
day was thirty measures of fine flour,
and three-score measures of meal ; ten
fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the
pastures, and an hundred sheep ; be
side harts, and roe-bucks, and fallow-
deer, and fatted fowl. For he had
dominion over all the region on this
side the river, from Tiphsah even to
Gaza, over all the kings on this side
the river, and he had peace on all
sides round about him.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
A ND Judah and Israel dwelt safely,
^^ every man under his vine and
under his fig-tree, from Dan even to
Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.
And Solomon had forty thousand stalls
of horses for his chariots, and twelve
thousand horsemen. And the officers
of the King that were heretofore
named, they provided food for them :
and for all that came unto King
Solomon s table, they furnished all
most carefully according to the sea
son. Barley also and straw for the
horses and the beasts of burden,
brought they unto the place where
the King was, every man according
to his charge. And God gave Solo
mon wisdom and understanding ex
ceeding much, and largeness of heart,
even as the sand that is on the sea
shore.
Second Responsory.
God, Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson.
AND Solomon s wisdom excelled
^^ the wisdom of all the children
of the east country, and all the
wisdom of Egypt ; and he was wiser
than all men ; than Ethan the Ezra-
hite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and
Darda, the sons of Mahol ; and his
fame was in all nations round about.
And he spake three thousand pro
verbs, and his songs were a thousand
and five. And he spake of trees, from
the cedar -tree that is in Lebanon,
even unto the hyssop that springeth
out of the wall ; he spake also of
beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping
things, and of fishes. And there
came of all people to hear the wis
dom of Solomon, and from all kings
of the earth, which had heard of all
wisdom.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(P. 222.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (v. i . )
AND Hiram, King of Tyre, sent his
servants unto Solomon ; for he
had heard that they had anointed him
SEVENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
303
king in the room of his father ; for
Hiram was ever a lover of David.
And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying :
Thou knowest how that David my
father would have built an house unto
the name of the LORD his God, but
could not do it, for the wars which
were about him on every side, until
the LORD put them under the soles
of his feet. But now the LORD my
God hath given me rest on every side,
so that there is neither adversary, nor
evil occurrent.
First Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Second Lesson.
, I purpose to build
an house unto the name of the
LORD my God, as the LORD spake
unto David my father, saying : Thy
son, whom I will set upon thy throne
in thy room, he shall build an house
unto My name. Now, therefore, com
mand thou thy servants that they hew
me cedar-trees out of Lebanon, and
let my servants be with thy servants ;
and unto thee will I give hire for
thy servants, according to all that
thou shalt appoint ; for thou knowest
that there is not among my people
any that can skill to hew timber like
unto the Sidonians.
Seco7ui Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c., (p.
223.)
Third Lesson.
A ND it came to pass, when Hiram
heard the words of Solomon,
that he rejoiced greatly, and said :
Blessed be the LORD God this day,
Which hath given unto DaVid a wise
son over this great people. And
Hiram sent to Solomon, saying : I
have considered the things which thou
sentest to me for : I will do all thy
desire concerning timber of cedar, and
concerning timber of fir. My ser
vants shall bring them down from
Lebanon unto the sea, and I will
convey them by sea in floats unto
the place that thou shalt appoint me,
and will cause them to be discharged
there, and thou shalt receive them,
and thou shalt accomplish my desire
in giving food for my household.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (vii. 51.)
QO was ended all the work that
King Solomon made for the
house of the LORD, and he brought
in the things which David his father
had dedicated ; even the silver, and
the gold, and the vessels, did he put
among the treasures of the house of
the LORD. (viii.) Then were as
sembled all the elders of Israel, and
the heads of the tribes, and the chiefs
of the families of the children of Is
rael, unto King Solomon in Jerusalem,
that they mig ht bring up the ark of
the covenant of the LORD out of the
city of David, which is Zion. 1 And
all the men of Israel assembled them
selves unto King Solomon at the feast,
in the month Ethanim, 2 which is the
seventh month.
1 That is, from one to the other of the two southernmost of the hills on which Jerusalem
stands.
2 It falls about September, and is more commonly called Tizri.
304
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
AND all the elders of Israel came ;
and the Priests took up the
ark, and they brought up the ark of
the LORD, and the tabernacle of the
covenant, and all the vessels of the
sanctuary that were in the tabernacle,
even those did the Priests and the
Levites bring up. And King Solo
mon, and all the congregation of
Israel, that were assembled unto him,
were with him before the ark, sacri
ficing sheep and oxen, that could not
be told nor numbered for multitude.
And the Priests brought in the ark
of the covenant of the LORD unto his
place, into the oracle of the house,
to the Most Holy Place, even under
the wings of the Cherubim. 1 For
the Cherubim spread forth their two
wings over the place of the ark,
and covered the ark, and the staves
thereof, above.
the glory of the LORD had filled the
house of the LORD. Then spake
Solomon : The LORD said that He
would dwell in the cloud. 2
Third Responsory.
LORD, unto the cry,
Hearken, O
&c., (p. 225.)
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. O Lord, Thou hast heark
ened unto the prayer of Thy servant, *
that I might build a temple unto Thy
Name.
Prayer from Lands of the succeeding
Sunday.
after
Pentecost.
The Eighth Lord^s Day after
Pentecost.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
"PHERE was nothing in the ark
save the two tables of stone
which Moses put there at Horeb,
when the LORD made a covenant with
the children of Israel, when they came
out of the land of Egypt. And it
came to pass, when the priests were
come out of the holy place, that the
cloud filled the house of the LORD ;
so that the Priests could not stand to
minister because of the cloud ; for
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (ix. i.)
AND it came to pass, when Solo-
^^ mon had finished the building
of the house of the LORD, and the
King s house, and all his desire which
he was pleased to do, that the LORD
appeared to him the second time, as
He had appeared to him at Gibeon.
And the LORD said unto him : I have
heard thy prayer, and thy supplication
1 Two colossal images of these creatures made of olive-wood plated with gold, which stood
in the Holy of Holies, with their wings arranged so as to overshadow the ark of the covenant.
2 The reader will do well to read the rest of ch. viii., which contains Solomon s dedicatory
prayer.
EIGHTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
305
that thou hast made before Me : I
have hallowed this house which thou
hast built, to put My Name there for
ever ; and Mine eyes and Mine heart
shall be there perpetually. And if
thou wilt walk before Me, as David
thy father walked, in straightforward
ness of heart and in uprightness, to
do according to all that I have com
manded thee, and wilt keep My stat
utes and My judgments, then I will
establish the throne of thy kingdom
upon Israel for ever, as I promised to
David thy father, saying : There shall
not fail thee a man upon the throne
of Israel.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Seventh Lesson.
13 UT if ye shall at all turn from fol
lowing Me, ye or your children,
and will not keep My commandments,
and My statutes, which I have set
before you, but go and serve other
gods, and worship them, then will I
cut off Israel out of the land which I
have given them ; and this house,
which I have hallowed for My Name,
will I cast out of My sight ; and
Israel shall be a proverb and a by
word among all people. And this
house shall be a warning, and every
one that passeth by it shall be aston
ished, and shall hiss, and shall say :
Why hath the LORD done thus unto
this land, and to this house ? And
they shall answer : Because they for
sook the LORD their God, Who
brought forth their fathers out of the
land of Egypt, and have taken hold
upon other gods, and have worshipped
them, and served them : therefore
hath the LORD brought upon them all
this evil.
Second Responsory.
God, Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson.
A ND it came to pass at the end of
twenty years, when Solomon
had built the two houses, the house
of the LORD, and the King s house,
(now Hiram, the King of Tyre, had
furnished Solomon with cedar-trees,
and fir-trees, and with gold, according
to all his desire,) that then King
Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in
the land of Galilee. And Hiram
came out from Tyre to see the cities
which Solomon had g iven him ; and
they pleased him not ; and he said :
What cities are these, which thou hast
given me, my brother ? And he
called them the land of " Cabul " l
unto this day. And Hiram sent to
King Solomon six-score talents of
gold.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(P. 222.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
upon "The City of God" written
by St Austin, Bishop [of Hippo.]
(Bk. xvii. ch. 8.)
"THINGS which were then still to
come were in a certain manner
imagined in Solomon, who built the
temple, who had that peace which his
name implieth (for the name Solo
mon signifieth " the Peaceful One ")
and who, at the beginning of his reign,
was marvellously praiseworthy. By
these things he foreshadowed in his
own person, though he set not forth
I.e., unpleasant.
306
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
with his mouth, our Lord Christ.
Thus are some things written of Solo
mon which are, as it were, things
written concerning Christ, the Holy
Scripture in this way, by giving the
history of things past, prophesying all
the while of things to come.
Fourth Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Fifth Lesson.
T7OR besides the books of the
Divine history wherein his reign
is recorded, the 7ist Psalm is super
scribed with his name. In this Psalm
are many things which cannot suit
him, but are most clearly applicable
to the Lord Christ, thus showing that
Solomon was, as it were, a shadowy
figure cast before, of that which was
afterwards revealed in very truth in
the Person of Christ.
Fifth Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c., (p.
223.)
Sixth Lesson.
VyiTHOUT going into the rest, I
may say that it is known what
were the limits of Solomon s do
minions, and yet in that Psalm we
read : "He shall have dominion also
from sea to sea, and from the river
unto the ends of the earth." This we
see fulfilled in Christ. It was from
the river, that is, from His Baptism
by John in Jordan, that He began
His assumption of dominion, for then
it was when John bare testimony unto
Him that His disciples began to
acknowledge Him, calling Him, not
Master only, but Lord.
Sixth Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
Qtflonfcap.
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (x. i.)
A ND when the Queen of Sheba 1
*~*~ heard of the fame of Solomon
concerning the name of the LORD,
she came to prove him with hard
questions. And she came to Jer
usalem with a very great train and
riches, with camels that bare spices,
and very much gold, and precious
stones. And when she was come to
King Solomon, she communed with
him of all that was in her heart.
And Solomon told her all her ques
tions ; there was not anything hid
from the King, which he told her not.
First Responsory.
Remember, O Lord, Thy covenant,
&c., (p. 268.)
Second Lesson.
AND when the Queen of Sheba had
i**" seen all Solomon s wisdom, and
the house that he had built, and the
She seems to have been an Abyssinian.
EIGHTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
307
meat of his table, and the sitting of
his servants, and the attendance of
his ministers, and their apparel, and
his cup-bearers, and the sacrifices
which he offered in the house of the
LORD, there was no more spirit in
her. And she said to the King : It
was a true report that I heard in
mine own land, of thy discourse and
of thy wisdom ; howbeit, I believed
not the words, until I came, and
mine eyes had seen it, and I per
ceived that the half was not told me ;
thy wisdom and thy works exceed
the fame which I heard.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
TTAPPY are thy men, happy are
these thy servants, which stand
continually before thee, and that hear
thy wisdom. Blessed be the LORD
thy God, which delighted in thee,
to set thee on the throne of Israel,
because the LORD loveth Israel for
ever, therefore made He thee king,
to do judgment and justice. And she
gave the King an hundred and twenty
talents of gold, and of spices very
great store, and precious stones ;
there came no more such abundance
of spices as these which the Queen
of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
And the navy also of Hiram, that
brought gold from Ophir, brought in
from Ophir great plenty of sandal-
wood, 1 and precious stones.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (xi. i.)
TDUT King Solomon loved many
strange women, together with
the daughter of Pharaoh, 2 women of
the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites,
Sidonians, and Hittites of the nations
concerning which the LORD said unto
the children of Israel : Ye shall not go
in to them, neither shall they come in
unto you ; for surely they will turn
away your hearts to follow after their
gods. 3 Solomon clave unto these in
love. And he had seven hundred
wives, as queens, and three hundred
concubines ; and his wives turned
away his heart. For it came to pass,
when Solomon was old, that his wives
turned away his heart, to follow after
other gods ; and his heart was not
perfect with the LORD his God, as was
the heart of David his father.
First Rcspo?isory.
Lord, when Thy people, &c., (p.
269.)
Second Lesson.
"pOR Solomon went after Ashtoreth,
the goddess of the Sidonians,
and after Moloch, the idol of the
Ammonites. And Solomon did evil
in the sight of the LORD, and went
not fully after the LORD, as did David
his father. Then did Solomon build
an high place for Chemosh, the idol
of Moab, in the hill that is before
Jerusalem, and for Moloch, the idol of
the children of Ammon. And likewise
did he for all his strange wives, which
1 So Gesenius, but the meaning is very uncertain, and many Rabbis consider that coral is
meant. LXX. "dressed timber."
2 She was his first wife. 3(1) Kings iii. i. 3 Ex. xxxiv. 16. Deut. vii. 3, 4.
308
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
burnt incense, and sacrificed unto their
gods.
Second Responsory.
And it came to pass, &c., (p. 270.)
Third Lesson.
AND the LORD was angry with
^^ Solomon, because his heart was
turned from the LORD God of Israel,
Which had appeared unto him twice,
and had commanded him concerning
this thing, that he should not go after
other gods ; but he kept not that which
the LORD commanded him. [Where
fore the LORD said] unto Solomon :
Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and
thou hast not kept My covenant and
My statutes, which I have commanded
thee, I will surely rend the kingdom
from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
Notwithstanding, in thy days I will not
do it, for David thy father s sake.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (xi. 26.)
AND Jeroboam the son of Nebat,
** an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solo
mon s servant, whose mother s name
was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he
lifted up his hand against the King.
And this is the cause that he rebelled
against him. Solomon built Millo,
and repaired the breaches of the city
of David his father. And Jeroboam
was a mighty man and powerful. And
Solomon, seeing the young man, that
he was of a good disposition and in
dustrious, he set him over the tribute
of all the house of Joseph.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
A ND it came to pass at that time,
"^^ when Jeroboam went out of
Jerusalem, that the Prophet Ahijah the
Shilonite found him in the way ; and
he had clad himself in a new garment ;
and they two were alone in the field.
And Ahijah caught the new garment
that was on him, and rent it in twelve
pieces, and said unto Jeroboam : Take
thee ten pieces. For thus saith the
LORD, the God of Israel -Behold, I
will rend the kingdom out of the hand
of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to
thee.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson. ( 40. )
C OLOMON sought therefore to kill
Jeroboam ; but he arose and fled
into Egypt, unto Shishak, King of
Egypt ; and was in Egypt until the
death of Solomon. And the rest of
the words of Solomon, and all that he
did, and his wisdom, behold, they are
all of them written in the Book of the
Acts of Solomon. And the time that
Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all
Israel was forty years. And Solomon
slept with his fathers, and was buried
in the city of David his father. And
Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, unto the cry,
&c., (p. 225.)
EIGHTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
309
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (xii. I.)
A ND Rehoboam went to Shechem.
^^ For all Israel were come to
Shechem, to make him king. And it
came to pass, \vhen Jeroboam the son
of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, where
he was fled from the presence of King
Solomon, had heard of his death, that
he came back again out of Egypt ; for
they had sent and told him. And
Jeroboam and all the congregation of
Israel came, and spake unto Reho
boam, saying : Thy father made our
yoke grievous ; now therefore make
thou the grievous service of thy father,
and his heavy yoke which he put upon
us, lighter, and we will serve thee. And
he said unto them : Depart yet for
three days, and then come again to
me.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
AND the people departed ; and King
"^^ Rehoboam consulted with the old
men that stood before Solomon his
father, while he yet lived ; and said :
How do ye advise that I may answer
this people ? And they spake unto
him, saying : If thou wilt be a servant
unto this people this day, and wilt
serve them, and wilt yield to their peti
tion, and wilt speak good words to
them, then they will be thy servants
for ever. But he forsook the counsel
of the old men, which they had given
him, and consulted with the young
men that were grown up with him,
and stood before him.
Second Responsory.
God Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson . (13.)
A ND the King answered the people
roughly, and forsook the old
men s counsel that they gave him, and
spake to them after the counsel of the
young men, saying : My father made
your yoke heavy, and I will add to
your yoke ; my father also chastised
you w-ith whips, but I wall chastise you
with scorpions. Wherefore the King
hearkened not unto the people ; for
the LORD had turned him aside, that
He might perform His saying, which
the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilon-
ite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
So when the people saw that the King
hearkened not unto them, they answered
him, saying" : What portion have we in
David ? or what inheritance in the son
of Jesse ? l
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, c.,
(P. 222.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (xiv. 5.)
A ND the LORD said unto Ahijah :
^^ Behold, the wife of Jeroboam
cometh to ask a thing of thee for her
1 After this all the tribes except Judah and Benjamin revolted, forming a new state called
" Israel," as opposed to Judah ; and taking for their king Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who
made them to sin by setting up schismatical places of worship at Dan and Bethel, in opposi
tion to the Temple at Jerusalem.
VOL. III. L
3io
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
son, for he is sick ; thus and thus shalt
thou say unto her. When therefore
she came in, she feigned herself to be
another woman, but Ahijah heard the
sound of her feet, as she came in at
the door, and said : Come in, thou
wife of Jeroboam why feignest thou
thyself to be another ? For I am sent
to thee with heavy tidings.
First Respojtsory.
Saul hath slain, c., (p. 223.)
Second Lesson.
f*O, tell Jeroboam: Thus saith the
^- J LORD God of Israel : Forasmuch
as I exalted thee from among the
people, and made thee Prince over My
people Israel, and rent the kingdom
away from the house of David, and
gave it to thee ; and yet thou hast not
been as My servant David, who kept
My commandments, and who followed
Me with all his heart, to do that only
which was right in Mine eyes but
hast done evil above all that were
before thee, for thou hast gone and
made thee other gods, and molten
images, 1 to provoke Me to anger, and
hast cast Me behind thy back
Second Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c., (p.
223.)
Third Lesson.
""THEREFORE, behold, I will bring
evil upon the house of Jeroboam,
and will cut off from Jeroboam him
that pisseth against the wall, and him
that is shut up, and left, in Israel and
will take away the remnant of the house
of Jeroboam, as a man wipeth away
dung till it be all gone. 2 Him that
dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the
dogs eat ; and him that dieth in the
field shall the fowls of the air eat ; for
the LORD hath spoken it. Arise thou,
therefore, get thee to thine own house,
and when thy feet enter into the city,
the child shall die.
Third Respo?isory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Third
Book of Kings (xviii. 2i. 3 )
AND Elijah came unto all the
^^ people, and said : How long
halt ye between two opinions ? If
the LORD be God, follow Him but
if Baal, then follow him. And the
1 These were the figures of calves which Jeroboam had set up in his two sanctuaries, and
before which himself, and other persons devoid of real Priest s orders, took upon themselves
to officiate. The calves may, like the well-known idol at Horeb, have been meant to represent
the Supreme Being, but were absolutely in defiance of His law (Deut. iv. 15-18.) The horror
of Jeroboam s offence, even as compared to Solomon s, perhaps was that Solomon had set up
his idol temples for his wives, but Jeroboam had deliberately substituted, for his own use, and
that of his subjects, another form of worship for that which God had commanded.
2 Sicut mundari solet fjmus usque ad purum. " Mingens ad parietem " intelligences est,
secundum Gesenii sententiam, " puer masculus contemptibilis," secundum alios, "canis."
3 If the reader now desires to follow the Church Lessons intelligently he must read the
history as given in the Bible for himself. To give sense, however, to the Lessons of this
Saturday, it is enough to remember that Ahab, King of Israel, "did evil in the sight of the
LORD above all that were before him." "As if it had been a light thing for him to walk in
the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, King
of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him." (See Note, p. 252.) "And
he reared up an Altar for Baal in the house of Baal which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab
made a grove " (this probably means an image of Ashtoreth), " and Ahab did more to provoke
NINTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
311
people answered him not a word.
Then said Elijah unto the people :
I, even I only, remain a Prophet of
the LORD but Baal s Prophets are
four hundred and fifty men.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
T ET them therefore give us two bull
ocks, and let them choose one
bullock for themselves, and cut it in
pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no
fire under : and I will dress the other
bullock, and lay it on wood, and put
no fire under. Call ye on the name
of your gods, and I will call on the
name of the LORD. And the God
that answereth by fire, let him be God.
And all the people answered and said :
It is well spoken.
Second Responsory.
O LORD, Thou hast hearkened,
&c., (p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
AND Elijah said unto the prophets
of Baal : Choose you one bullock
for yourselves, and dress it first, for ye
are many ; and call on the name of
your gods but put no fire under.
And they took the bullock which was
given them, and they dressed it ; and
called on the name of Baal from morn
ing even until noon, saying : O Baal,
hear us ! But there was no voice nor
any that answered ; and they leapt
about the altar which they had made.
And it came to pass at noon that
Elijah mocked them, and said : Cry
aloud. 1
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, c., (p. 225.)
VESPERS.
A7itiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. When the LORD took up
Elijah * by a whirlwind into heaven,
Elisha cried : My father ! the chariot
of Israel and the horsemen thereof!
Prayer from the succeeding Lauds.
Ittntfj Suntrnj! after
The Ninth Lord"*s Day after Pentecost.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Fourth Book of
Kings (i. i.)
Moab rebelled against Israel
after the death of Ahab. And
Ahaziah 2 fell down through a lattice
in his upper chamber that he had in
the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him." The
Divine anger at these idolatries, and an accompanying brutal persecution of the Monotheists,
manifested itself in a drought for three years, at the end of which the Prophet Elijah brought
about a great national gathering of the Israelites on Mount Carmel, at which were present
himself, Ahab, and the idolatrous priests, 450 of Baal s, and 400 of "the grove s." At this
point the narrative proceeds as in the text.
1 This sort of thing went on "until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice." Elijah
then prepared his bullock, and called on the name of the Eternal. "Then the fire of the LORD
fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, . . . and when all the people saw it, they fell on their
faces, and they said : The LORD He is God ! The LORD He is God ! And Elijah said unto
them : Take the prophets of Baal ; let not one of them escape. And they took them ; and
Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there."
2 Ahab s son and successor.
3 I2
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Samaria, and was sick. And he sent
messengers and said unto them : Go,
inquire of Baal-zebub, 1 the god of
Ekron, whether I shall recover of this
disease. But the Angel of the LORD
said to Elijah the Tishbite : 2 Arise, go
up to meet the messengers of the King
of Samaria, and say unto them : Is it
not because there is not a God in
Israel that ye go to inquire of Baal-
zebub, the god of Ekron ? Now, there
fore, thus saith the LORD : Thou shall
not come down from that bed on which
thou art gone up, but shall surely die.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
AND Elijah departed. And the
*-^ messengers turned back unto
Ahaziah. And he said unto them :
Why are ye now lurned back ? And
ihey said unto him : There came a
man up to meet us, and said unlo us :
Go, lurn again unlo ihe King lhal
senl you : and say unlo him : Thus
sailh Ihe LORD Is il nol because
Ihere is not a God in Israel, thai ihou
sendesl lo inquire of Baal-zebub, Ihe
god of Ekron ? Therefore ihou shall
not come down from thai bed on which
thou art gone up, but shall surely die.
Second Responsory.
God, Which hearelh all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson.
A ND he said unlo them : What ap-
^^ pearance and raiment had the
man which came up lo meel you, and
lold you ihese words ? And Ihey an
swered him : He was an hairy man,
and girl wilh a girdle of lealher about
his loins. And he said : It is Elijah
the Tishbile. Then he senl unlo him
a caplain of fifty wilh his fifty. And
he wenl up lo him, where he sal on
ihe lop of an hill. And he said unto
him : Thou man of God, the king hath
Said Come down. And Elijah an
swered, and said lo ihe caplain of
fifty : If I be a man of God, ihen lei
fire come down from heaven, and con
sume Ihee and thy fifty. And Ihere
came down fire from heaven, and con
sumed him and ihe fifty lhal were
wilh him. 3
Third Responsory.
The LORD Thai delivered me, &c.,
(p. 222.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is laken from ihe sermons
of Si Austin, Bishop [of Hippo].
( 2 o i st for the Season. )
Y) EARLY beloved brethren, in the
Lessons which are now being
read to us day by day, I have often
warned you thai we must not follow
Ihe deathful letter, lo ihe abandonmenl
of Ihe quickening spirit For it is
thus that the Aposlle sailh: "The
letter killeth, but the spiril givelh life."
(2 Cor. iii. 6.) If we will understand
only the plain meaning of ihe letter,
we shall gel little or no edificalion
from our readings in ihe Divine Scrip-
lures. All Ihose things whereof we
hear were types and images of ihings
1 That is "the Lord of flies" or " Baal of the flies." In Matth. xii. 24 he is called "the
Prince of the devils."
2 That is, of Tishbah, a town of Priests in the tribe of Gad.
3 This happened once again, but God allowed Elijah to go with a third company to Ahaziah
to whom he repeated his message. "So he died, according to the word of the LORD," and
was succeeded by his brother Jehoram.
NINTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
313
to come ; and those things which grace ? [Because she can go on, and
were foreshadowed in the history of say : ] " Sprinkle me with hyssop,
the Jews are, by the gift of God, and I shall be clean ; wash me, and I
fulfilled in us. shall be whiter than snow," (v. 9.)
Fourth Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Sixth Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (/. 223.)
Fifth Lesson.
HTHE Blessed Elias was a type of
the Lord our Saviour. Just as
Elias was rejected by the Jews, so
was the true Elias, even our Lord,
rejected and despised by the same
Jews. Elias went away out of his
own country, and Christ hath left the
synagogue Elias went into the desert,
and Christ hath come into the world.
Elias, when he was in the desert,
was fed by ravens, 1 and Christ in
the desert of this world is comforted
by the faith of the Gentiles.
Fifth Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c.,
(P. 223.)
Sixth Lesson.
T^OR the ravens which, at the com-
mand of the Lord, ministered
unto Elias, were a type of the flock
of Gentiles. Wherefore also it is said
for the Gentile Church : " I am black,
but comely O daughters of Jeru
salem !" (Cant. i. 4.) Why is the
Church black but comely ? She is
black by nature, but comely by grace.
Why is she black by nature ? [Be
cause she must needs own : ] " Be
hold, I was shapen in iniquity, and
in sin did my mother conceive me."
(Ps. 1. 7.) Why is she comely by
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (ii. 5.)
AND the sons of the Prophets that
^^ were at Jericho came to Elisha, 2
and said unto him : Knowest thou
that the LORD will take away thy
master from thee to-day ? And he
answered : Yea, I know it hold ye
your peace. And Elijah said unto
him : Tarry here ; for the LORD hath
sent me to Jordan. And he said :
As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul
liveth, I will not leave thee. And
they two went on ; and fifty men of
the sons of the Prophets went, and
stood to view afar off; and they two
stood by Jordan.
1 At the beginning of the drought " the word of the LORD came unto him, (Elijah) saying :
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith I have
commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and the ravens brought him
bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening." (3 Kings xvii. 2-6.)
- Elijah s servant and disciple.
314
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
First Responsory.
Remember, O Lord, Thy covenant,
&c., (/. 268.)
Second Lesson.
AND Elijah took his mantle, and
^^ wrapped it together, and smote
the waters, and they were divided
hither and thither, so that they two
went over on dry ground. And when
they were gone over, Elijah said unto
Elisha : Ask what I shall do for thee,
before I be taken away from thee.
And Elisha said : I pray that a double
portion of thy spirit be upon me.
And he said : Thou hast asked an
hard thing ; nevertheless, if thou see
me when I am taken from thee, it
shall be so unto thee, as thou hast
asked but if thou see not, it shall
not be so.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
A ND as they still went on and
*^^ talked, behold, a chariot of fire,
and horses of fire, parted them twain
asunder, and Elijah went up by a
whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha
saw it ; and he cried : My father !
the chariot of Israel and the horses
thereof! And he saw him no more.
And he took hold of his own clothes,
and rent them in two pieces. And
he took up the mantle of Elijah, that
fell from him ; and went back, and
stood by the bank of Jordan.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (^.225.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (iii. 6.)
AND King Jehoram l went out of
Samaria at that time, and num
bered all Israel. And he sent to
Jehoshaphat the King of Judah, say
ing : The King of Moab hath rebelled
against me ; come thou with me
against him to battle. And he said :
I will go up ; he that is mine is thine
my people are thy people, and my
horses thy horses. And he said :
Which way shall we go up ? And he
answered : The way through the wil
derness of Edom. So the King of
Israel went, and the King of Judah,
and the King of Edom ; and they
fetched a compass of seven days
journey. And there was no water for
the host, and for the cattle that followed
them.
First Responsory.
Lord, when Thy people, &c., (p.
269.)
Second Lesson.
AND the King of Israel said : Alas !
^^ that the LORD hath called us
three kings together, to deliver us into
the hand of Moab ! But Jehoshaphat
said : Is there not here a Prophet of
the LORD, that we may betake us
unto the LORD by him ? And one of
the King of Israel s servants answered
and said : Here is Elisha, the son of
Shaphat ; which poured water on the
hands of Elijah. And Jehoshaphat
said : The Word of the LORD is with
him. So the King of Israel, and
Jehoshaphat King of Judah, and the
1 Ahab s son, and Ahaziah s brother and successor.
NINTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
315
King of Edom, went down to him.
And Elisha said unto the King of
Israel : What have I to do with thee ?
Get thee to the prophets of thy father
and to the prophets of thy mother.
Second Respcmsory.
And it came to pass, &c., (p. 270.)
Third Lesson.
A ND the King of Israel said unto
^^ him : [Nay ; but] wherefore hath
the LORD called these three kings
together, to deliver them into the hand
of Moab ? And Elisha said unto him :
As the LORD of hosts liveth, before
Whom I stand, surely were it not that
I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat,
the King of Judah, I would not look
toward thee, nor see thee. But now
bring me a minstrel. And it came to
pass, when the minstrel played, that
the hand of the LORD came upon him,
and he said : Thus saith the LORD
Make this valley full of ditches. For
thus saith the LORD Ye shall not
see wind, neither shall ye see rain ;
yet that valley shall be filled with
water ; and ye shall drink, both ye,
and your people, and your cattle.
And this is but a light thing in the
sight of the LORD ; moreover, He will
deliver Moab also into your hand.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (iv. I.)
"^T OW there cried a certain woman
of the wives of the Prophets
unto Elisha, saying : Thy servant my
husband is dead ; and thou knowest
that thy servant did fear the LORD
and, behold, the creditor is come to
take unto him my two sons to be
bondmen. And Elisha said unto her :
What shall I do for thee ? Tell me ;
what hast thou in thine house ? And
she said : Thine handmaid hath not
anything in the house, save a little
oil, to anoint withal. And he said :
Go ; borrow thee vessels abroad of all
thy neighbours, even empty vessels,
and that not a few. And when thou
art come in thou shalt shut the door
upon thee and upon thy sons, and
shalt pour out into all those vessels ;
and thou shalt set aside that which is
full.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
CO the woman went, and shut the
^ door upon her and upon her
sons ; who brought the vessels to her,
and she poured out. And it came to
pass, when the vessels were full, that
she said unto her son : Bring me yet
a vessel. And he said unto her : I
have no more. And the oil stayed.
Then she came and told the man of
God. And he said : Go, sell the oil,
and pay thy creditor ; and live thou
and thy children of the rest.
And it fell on a day, that Elisha
passed by Shunem. And there was
a great woman there ; and she con
strained him to eat bread. And, as
he oftentimes passed by there, he
turned in thither to eat bread. And
she said unto her husband : [Behold
now,] I perceive that this is an holy
man of God, which passeth by us
continually. Let us make for him a
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
little chamber, and let us set for him
there a bed, and a table, and a stool,
and a candlestick ; and when he com-
eth to us, he shall turn in thither.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
A ND it fell on a day that he came
thither, and he turned into the
chamber, and lay there. And he said
to Gehazi his servant : Call this Shu-
nammite. And when he had called
her, she stood before him. And he
said unto his servant : Say unto her
Behold, thou hast been careful for us
with all this care ; what wouldest thou
that I should do for thee ? Hast thou
any matter, wherein thou wouldest that
I should speak for thee to the king,
or to the captain of the host ? And
she answered : I dwell among mine
own people. And he said : What will
she, then, that I should do for her ?
And Gehazi said : Ask her not ; verily,
she hath no child, and her husband
is old. And he commanded to call
her. And when he had called her,
she stood in the door ; and he said
unto her : At this time, and in this
same hour, thou shalt embrace a son
if thou be alive. And she said : Nay,
my lord, I pray thee nay, thou man
of God ! do not lie unto thine hand
maid. And the woman conceived,
and bare a son at that season that
Elisha had said unto her, and in that
same hour.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (vi. 24.)
T3EN-HADAD, King of Syria, ga-
thered all his host, and went up
and besieged Samaria. And there was
a great famine in Samaria ; and it was
besieged until an ass s head was sold
for fourscore pieces of silver, and the
fourth part of a kab 1 of dove s dung
for five pieces of silver. And as the
King of Israel was passing by upon
the wall, there cried a woman unto
him, saying : Help ! my lord O
King ! And he said : The LORD
helpeth thee not whence can I help
thee ? out of the barn-floor ? or out of
the wine-press ?
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
AND the King said unto her : What
aileth thee ? And she answered:
This woman said unto me, Give thy
son, that we may eat him to-day, and
we will eat my son to-morrow. So we
boiled my son, and did eat him. And
I said unto her on the next day, Give
thy son, that we may eat him and
she hath hid her son. And when the
King heard it, he rent his clothes, and
passed by upon the wall. And all the
people saw that he was clad with sack
cloth within upon his flesh. Then
the King said : God do so, and more
also, to me, if the head of Elisha the
son of Shaphat shall stand on him
1 A measure of about two pints. It is not quite certain that a sort of vegetable pottage is
not meant by the name in the text.
NINTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
317
this day. But Elisha sat in his house ;
and the elders sat with him.
Second Responsory.
God, Which heareth, &c., (p. 222.)
Third Lesson.
N
OW [the King] sent a man before
him, but ere the messenger
came to him, [Elisha] said to the
elders : Know ye how that this son of
a murderer hath sent to take away
mine head ? Look, therefore, when
the messenger cometh ; shut the door,
and prevent him from entering ; for,
behold, the sound of his master s feet
is behind him. And while he yet
talked with them, behold, the messen
ger appeared that came down unto
him ; and he said : Behold, this great
evil is of the LORD why should I
wait on the LORD any longer? (vii.)
Then Elisha said : Hear ye the word
of the LORD ; Thus saith the LORD
To-morrow, about this time, shall a
measure of fine flour be sold for a
shekel, and two measures of barley
for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(P. 222.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (viii. i.)
thine household, and sojourn whereso
ever thou canst sojourn ; for the LORD
hath called for a famine, and it shall
come upon the land seven years. And
the woman arose, and did after the
saying of the man of God. And she
went, with her household, and so
journed in the land of the Philistines
seven years. And at the seven years
end, the woman returned out of the
land of the Philistines ; and she went
forth to cry unto the King for her
house, and for her land.
First Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Second Lesson.
/A ND the King talked with Gehazi,
the servant of the man of God,
saying : Tell me all the great things
that Elisha hath done. And as he
was telling the King how he had re
stored a dead body to life, behold
the woman, whose son he had restored
to life, cried to the King for her house
and for her land. And Gehazi said :
My lord, O King ! this is the woman,
and this is her son, whom Elisha re
stored to life. And when the King
asked the woman, she told him. So
the King appointed unto her an officer,
saying : Restore all that was hers, and
all the fruits of the field, since the day
that she left the land, even until now.
Second Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c., (p.
223.)
Third Lesson.
HEN spake Elisha unto the woman AND Elisha came to Damascus;
whose son he had restored to
life, 1 saying : Arise, and go, thou and
and Ben - hadad, the King of
Syria, was sick ; and they told him,
1 The same as mentioned in the Second and Third Lessons on Wednesday. The whole his
tory is in ch. fv. 17-37.
VOL. III. L 2
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
saying : The man of God is come
hither. And the King said unto
Hazael : Take a present in thine
hand, and go, meet the man of God,
and inquire of the LORD by him, say
ing- Shall I recover of this disease ?
So Hazael went to meet him, and
stood before him, and said : Thy son
Ben-hadad, King of Syria, hath sent
me to thee, saying : Shall I recover of
this disease ? And Elisha said unto
him : Go, say unto him : Thou shalt
recover. Howbeit, the LORD hath
showed me that he shall surely die. 1
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (ix. i.)
AND Elisha the Prophet called one
* of the sons of the Prophets, and
said unto him : Gird up thy loins, and
take this vessel of oil in thine hand,
and go to Ramoth-Gilead. And when
thou comest thither, look out there
Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, the son
of Nimshi, and go in, and make him
arise up from among his brethren, and
carry him to an inner chamber. Then
take the vessel of oil, and pour it on
his head, and say : Thus saith the
LORD I have anointed thee king
over Israel ! Then open the door,
and flee, and tarry not. So the young
man, the servant of the Prophet, went
to Ramoth-Gilead, and came thither.
And, behold, the captains of the host
were sitting. And he said : I have an
errand to thee, O captain ! And Jehu
said : Unto which of all us ? And he
said : To thee, O captain !
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
AND he arose, and went into the
inner chamber : and he poured
the oil on his head, and said unto him :
Thus saith the LORD God of Israel I
have anointed thee king over the people
of the LORD, even over Israel ; and
thou shalt smite the house of Ahab
thy master, that I may avenge the
blood of My servants the Prophets,
and the blood of all the servants of
the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.
And the whole house of Ahab will I
destroy. And I will cut off from Ahab
every man child, and him that is shut
up, and him that is left at large, in
Israel. And I will make the house
of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam
the son of Nebat, and like the house
of Baasha the son of Ahijah. 2 And
the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the field
of Jezreel, and there shall be none to
bury her. And he opened the door,
and fled.
Seco7id Responsory,
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(P. 224.)
Third Lesson.
T HEN Jehu came forth to the serv
ants of his lord, and they said
unto him : Is all well ? wherefore came
1 That is, of something else and, in fact, he did recover, but Hazael murdered him the
next day.
2 This Baasha had conspired against Nadab the son of Jeroboam, and killed him, and exter
minated the family of Jeroboam. But the like was done to his own son and successor, and to
his whole family, by his own officer Zi mri. See 3 (i) Kings xv. 25-30.
TENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
319
this mad fellow to thee ? And he said
unto them : Ye know the man, and his
communication. 1 And they said : It
is false ; tell us now. And he said :
Thus and thus s.pake he to me, say
ing, Thus saith the LORD : I have
anointed thee king over Israel. Then
they hasted, and took every man his
garment, and put them under his feet,
after the manner of a king s seat, and
blew with trumpets, saying : Jehu is
King!
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. Jehoash did that which was
right in the sight of the LORD * all his
days wherein Jehoiada the Priest in
structed him.
Prayer from the succeeding Lauds.
Centfj Suntiag after Pentecost.
The Tenth Lord^s Day after Pentecost.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (ix. 29.)
T N the eleventh year of Jehoram the
son of Ahab began Ahaziah to
reign over Judah, and Jehu came to
Jezreel. And when Jezebel heard of
his coming, she painted her eyes with
antimony, 2 and tired her head, and
looked out at a window, as Jehu en
tered in at the gate, and said : Had
Zimri peace, who slew his master ? 3
And Jehu lifted up his face to the win
dow, and said : Who is this woman ?
And two or three eunuchs made obeis
ance unto him. And he said unto
them : Throw her down ! So they
threw her down. And some of her
blood was sprinkled on the wall, and
the horses trampled her. And when
he was come in to eat and drink, he
said : Go, see now this cursed woman,
and bury her, for she is a king s
daughter.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
A ;
ND when they went to bury her,
they found no more of her than
the skull, and the feet, and the palms
of her hands. And they came again,
and told him. And Jehu said : This
is the word of the LORD, which He
spake by His servant Elijah the Tish-
bite, saying In the field of Jezreel
shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel ;
and the carcase of Jezebel shall be as
dung upon the face of the ground in
the field of Jezreel, so that they that
pass by shall say : Yea, and is this
indeed that Jezebel ? 4 (x.) And Ahab
had seventy sons in Samaria. And
1 He seems to have thought it was a practical joke planned by his comrades.
2 Lit. sea-weed.
3 Jehu had just met Jehoram outside the town and shot him in his chariot. The historical
allusion is to the history of Zimri, an officer in the service of Elah, King of Israel, whom he
murdered, and reigned instead of, for a week, at the end of which the city was taken by Omri,
a candidate set up by the army. "And when Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into
the palace of the King s house, and burnt the King s house over him with fire, and died." See
3 Kings xvi. 8-20.
4 Ahab and Jezebel had procured by false witness the judicial murder of one Naboth, that
they might confiscate his land, and make a garden of his vineyard. When they went down to
see their new property, Elijah met them there, and denounced upon them the Divine anger,
uttering the prophecy quoted in the text. See 3 (i) Kings xxi.
3 20
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Jehu wrote a letter, and sent it to
Samaria, unto the rulers of the city,
to the elders, and to them that
brought up Ahab s children, saying :
Now, as soon as this letter cometh
to you, seeing your master s sons are
with you, and there are with you
chariots, and horses, and fenced cities,
and arms, look even out the best of
your master s sons, even him that best
pleaseth you, and set him on his
father s throne ; and fight for your
master s house.
Second Responsory.
God, Which heareth, &c., (p. 222.)
Third Lesson.
HP HEY were exceedingly afraid, and
said : Behold, two kings l stood
not before him ; how then shall we
stand ? And they that were over the
house, and they that were over the
city, the elders also, and the bringers-
up of the children, sent to Jehu, say
ing : We are thy servants, and will
do all that thou shalt bid us ; we will
not make us any king ; do thou that
which is good in thine eyes. Then
he wrote a letter the second time
to them, saying : If ye be mine, and
will to obey me, take ye the heads of
the men your master s sons, and come
to me to Jezreel by to-morrow this
time. Now, the King s sons, being
seventy persons, were with the great
men of the city, which brought them
up. And when the letter came to
them, they took the King s sons, and
slew the seventy men, and put their
heads in baskets, and sent him them
to Jezreel.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(p. 222.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fotirth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Sermons
of St John Chrysostom, Patriarch
[of Constantinople.] (J-foni. 25 on
the Epistle to the Romans.}
T ET us not dream that we are our
selves to be held less guilty,
when we find that we have not been
alone in sin. On the contrary, such
fellowship addeth to our punishment.
The serpent was more heavily pun
ished than Eve, and Eve than Adam,
and Jezebel suffered more than Ahab,
who took the vineyard of Naboth.
She it had been that planned the
whole matter, and opened the way
for her husband s crime. Even so
thou also, who shalt have caused
another s perdition, shalt suffer more
grievously than shall they, whom thou
hast ruined. Since, for a man to com
mit sin himself is less wicked than to
lead others into sin.
Fourth Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Fifth Lesson.
T F, therefore, we should see others
sinning, let us not only not help
them, but let us do what in us lieth
to draw them out of the bottom
less pit of destruction, lest we should
suffer as accomplices in their trespass.
Let our memory never forget that
right awful judgment-seat, the river
of fire, the chains that can never be
unlocked, the darkness that cannot
be pierced, the sound of teeth gnash
ing, the deadly worm. But thou
sayest : God is good. Are then all
these things but idle words ? Is there
1 Viz., Jehoram, King of Israel, and Ahaziah, King of Judah, who was with Jehoram when
he was killed, and was himself mortally wounded.
TENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
321
no punishment for the rich man which
giveth no heed to Lazarus ? (Luke
xvi. 20-26.) Doth the bridegroom
open to the foolish virgins the door
of the marriage -chamber? (Matth.
xxv. i- 1 2.) They that have denied
to Christ the necessaries of life, are
they not to depart from Him into
everlasting fire, prepared for the devil
and his angels ? (Matth. xxv. 41-46.)
The man that cometh in to the
marriage -supper, not having a wed
ding garment, shall he, or shall he
not, be bound hand and foot, and
taken away, and cast into outer dark
ness ? (Matth. xxii. 11-13.) The
servant that hath no compassion on
his fellow -servant, which oweth him
an hundred pence, shall he, or shall
he not, be delivered to the tormentors ?
(Matth. xviii. 23-35.) It is said, con
cerning such as commit adultery, that
their worm dieth not and their fire is
not quenched? (Mark ix. 44.) Is
that not true ?
Fifth Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c.,
(p. 223.)
Sixth Lesson.
T3UT these are perhaps only threats
on God s part ? No doubt,
quoth thou. I ask thee : How darest
thou say such a thing out loud, and
deliver this judgment from thine own
imagining ? For sooth, I can prove
to thee, from the things which God
hath done, that thou art wrong. If
thou wilt not believe for things to
come, at least believe for things past.
Of them at least it cannot be said that
they are nought but threats and mere
words, for they have happened, and
actually been realised in fact. Who
was He which brought in a great
flood, until the whole land was stand
ing water, and our whole race per
ished, save eight persons ? Who was
He which rained upon Sodom brim
stone and fire out of heaven ? (Gen.
xix. 24.) Who was He which over
threw all the host of Egypt in the
Red Sea? (Ex. xiv. 27.) Who was
He which sent out a fire and con
sumed them that were of the faction
of Abiram ? (Num. xvi. 35.) Who
was He which sent a pestilence upon
Israel, because David had sinned, and,
from the morning even to the time
appointed, there died of the people
seventy thousand men? (2 Kings
xxiv.) Was it not God, and none
other, Which brought upon them all
these things, and more also.
Sixth Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c. (p. 223.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xi. i.)
A ND when Athaliah, 1 the mother of
7^ Ahaziah, saw that her son was
dead, she arose, and destroyed all
1 Daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, wife of Jehoram, King of Judah, sister of the King of
Israel of the same name, and mother of Ahaziah, King of Judah, who was killed by Jehu
at Jezreel, along with his uncle Jehoram.
3 22
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(P. 224.)
Third Lesson. ( 9 . )
A 1
the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the
daughter of King Jehoram, sister of
Ahaziah, took Joash, the son of
Ahaziah, and stole him out of the
chamber from among the King s sons
which were slain, and his nurse with
him, and hid him from Athaliah, so
that he was not slain. And he was
with her, hid, in the house of the
LORD, six years. And Athaliah did
reign over the land.
first Responsory.
Remember, O Lord, Thy covenant,
&c., (p. 268.)
Second Lesson.
A ND in the seventh year Jehoiada
sent, 1 and fetched the rulers
over hundreds, and the men of war,
and brought them to him into the
house of the LORD, and made a cov
enant with them, and took an oath of
them in the house of the LORD, and
showed them the King s son, and com
manded them, saying : This is the
thing that ye shall do ; a third part
of you shall enter in on the Sabbath,
and shall even be keepers of the
watch of the King s house ; and a
third part shall be at the gate of Sur ;
and a third 2 part at the gate behind
the dwelling of the keepers of the
shields ; 3 so shall ye keep the watch
of the house of Massakh. 4 And the
two parts of you that go forth on the
Sabbath, they shall keep the watch of
the house of the LORD round about
the King. 5
1 The High Priest.
2 Supposed by some ancient commentators to be the eastern gate, but Jonathan ben Uzziel
calls it " the gate of the heroes."
3 These were three hundred brazen shields made by Jehoram, in place of as many of gold
presented by Solomon to the Temple, and which were carried by their keepers before the
sovereign when he attended public worship in state. 3 Kings xiv. 26-28. The Royal entrance,
where they were kept, was on the western side of the Temple.
4 Perhaps a proper name. Jonathan ben Uzziel, however, "from being in any way
neglected."
5 Viz., at the gates of the Temple, as opposed to those within, close about the King s
lodging.
ND they took every man his men,
that were to come in on the
Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the
Priest. And he gave unto them King
David s spears and shields, that were
in the house of the LORD. And they
stood, every man with his weapons in
his hand, from the right side of the
Temple to the left side of the altar
and the Holy House, round about the
King. And he brought forth the
King s son, and put upon him the
crown and the testimony ; and they
made him king, and anointed him ;
and they clapped their hands and
said : God save the King !
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (/. 225.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xii. i.)
T N the seventh year of Jehu, Joash
began to reign ; and forty years
reigned he in Jerusalem. And his
TENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
323
mother s name was Zibiah, of Beer-
sheba. And Joash did that which
was right in the sight of the LORD,
all his days wherein Jehoiada the
Priest instructed him. Nevertheless,
he took not away the high places ; for
the people still sacrificed and burnt
incense on the high places.
First Responsory.
Lord, when Thy people, &c., (/.
269.)
Second Lesson.
AND Joash said to the Priests : All
^^ the [redemption]-money of the
dedicated things that is brought into
the house of the LORD by every one
that passeth, the money that one
offereth for the redemption of his own
soul, 1 and the money that any man
out of his own heart and free - will
bringeth into the temple of the LORD,
let the Priests collect in the order of
their course, and let them repair the
breaches of the house, whereinsoever
anything be found that hath need
to be repaired.
Second Responsory.
And it came to pass, &c., (p. 270.)
Third Lesson.
T3UT it was so that unto the three-
and-twentieth year of King Joash
the Priests had not repaired the
breaches of the Temple. Then King
Joash called for Jehoiada the High
Priest, and for the Priests, and said
unto them : Why repair ye not the
breaches of the Temple ? Now, there
fore, receive no more money in the
order of your courses, but deliver it
for the repairing of the Temple. So
the Priests were forbidden to receive
any more money of the people, or to
repair the Temple. 2
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xiii. 14.)
N
OW Elisha was fallen sick of his
sickness whereof he died. And
Joash, 3 the King of Israel, came down
unto him, and wept over his face, and
said : O my father ! my father ! the
chariot of Israel and the horsemen
thereof ! And Elisha said unto him :
Take bow and arrows. And he took
unto him bow and arrows. And he
said to the King of Israel : Put thine
hand upon the bow. And he put his
hand upon it ; and Elisha put his
hands upon the King s hands, and
said : Open the window eastward.
And he opened it ; and Elisha said :
Shoot. And he shot. And Elisha
said : The arrow of the LORD S
deliverance, and the arrow of deliver
ance from Syria, for thou shalt smite
Syria in Aphek, till thou have con
sumed it.
1 In Lev. xxvii. there are regulations for assessing the value of different things, from men
downward, which have been vowed and are to be redeemed.
2 A collecting box, with a hole in the lid, was put near the altar, and the money put tl :re ;
and finally the restorations were effected.
s To be carefully distinguished from the contemporary King of Judah of the same name.
324
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
ANE) he said : Take the arrows.
And he took them ; and he said
unto him again : Smite the weapons
upon the ground. And he smote
thrice and stayed ; and the man of
God was wroth with him, and said :
If thou hadst smitten five times, or six
times, or seven times, then hadst thou
smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed
it whereas, now, thou shalt smite
Syria but thrice. And Elisha died,
and they buried him. And the bands
of robbers from Moab invaded the land
the same year.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(P. 224.)
Third Lesson.
AND it came to pass, as they were
burying a man, that they spied
the robbers, and they cast the dead
body into the sepulchre of Elisha.
And when it touched the bones of
Elisha, the man revived, and stood up
on his feet. (24.) And Hazael, King
of Syria, died ; and Ben-hadad his son
reigned in his stead. And Joash, the
son of Jehoahaz, took again out of the
hand of Ben-hadad, the son of Hazael,
the cities which he had taken out of
the hand of Jehoahaz his father by
war. Three times did Joash beat him,
and recovered the cities of Israel.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, unto the cry,
&c., (p. 225.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xvii. 6.)
A ND in the ninth year of Hoshea, 1
the King of Assyria took Samaria,
and carried Israel away into Assyria,
and placed them in Halah, and in
Habor, by the river of Gozan, in the
cities of the Medes. For so it was,
that the children of Israel had sinned
against the LORD their God, Which
had brought them up out of the land
of Egypt, from under the hand of
Pharaoh, King of Egypt, and had
worshipped other gods, and walked in
the ways of the heathen, whom the
LORD had destroyed before the children
of Israel, and the kings of Israel, be
cause they did such things. And the
children of Israel provoked the LORD
their God with froward words, and
built them high places in all their
cities.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, (p. 221.)
Second Lesson. (13.)
A 1
ND the LORD testified against
Israel, and against Judah, by
all the Prophets, and by all the Seers,
saying : Turn ye from your evil ways,
and keep My commandments and My
statutes, according to all the law which
I commanded your fathers, and which
I sent to you by My servants the Pro
phets. Notwithstanding, they would
not hear, but hardened their necks,
like to the neck of their fathers, that
willed not to obey the LORD their
1 The last King of Israel.
TENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
325
God. And they rejected His statutes,
and His covenant that He made with
their fathers, and His testimonies
which He testified against them ;
and they followed vanities, and did
foolishly.
Second Responsory.
God, Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.)
Third Lesson. (18.)
"THEREFORE the LORD was very
angry with Israel, and removed
them out of His sight, and there was
none left but the tribe of Judah only.
But neither did Juclah keep the com
mandments of the LORD their God ;
but walked in the sins of Israel which
they committed. And the LORD re
jected all the seed of Israel, and
afrlicted them, and delivered them
into the hand of the spoilers until
He put them away from before His
face, from the time that Israel was
rent away from the house of David,
and that they made Jeroboam, the
son of Nebat, king.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(P. 222.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xvii. 21.)
T EROBOAM drave Israel from fol-
J lowing the LORD, and made them
sin a great sin. For the children of
Israel walked in all the sins of Jero
boam which he did ; they departed
not from them, until the LORD re
moved Israel out of His sight, as He
had said by all His servants the
Prophets. So was Israel carried away
out of their own land to Assyria, unto
this day.
First Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Second Lesson.
AND the King of Assyria brought
^^ men from Babylon, and from
Cuthah, and from Avah, and from
Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and
placed them in the cities of Samaria
instead of the children of Israel. And
they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in
the cities thereof. And so it was,
at the beginning of their dwelling
there, that they feared not the LORD.
Therefore the LORD sent lions among
them, which slew some of them.
Second Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c., (p.
223.)
Third Lesson.
V^HEREFORE they sent unto the
King of Assyria, and said : The
nations which thou hast removed, and
placed in the cities of Samaria, know
not the manner of the god of the
land ; therefore [the Lord l ] hath sent
lions among them, and, behold, they
slay them, because they know not
the manner of the god of the land.
Then the King of Assyria commanded,
saying : Carry thither one of the
Priests whom ye brought from thence ;
and let him go and dwell with them,
and let him teach them the manner
of the god of the land.
1 Not in the Hebrew.
326
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c, (p. 223.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xviii. i.)
T N the third year of Hoshea, son of
Elah, King of Israel, Hezekiah,
the son of Ahaz, King of Judah, be
gan to reign. Twenty and five years
old was he when he began to reign,
and he reigned twenty and nine years
in Jerusalem. His mother s name
was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah.
And he did that which was right in
the sight of the LORD, according to
all that David his father did. He
removed the high places, and brake
the images, and cut down the groves,
and brake in pieces the brazen serpent
that Moses had made, for unto those
days the children of Israel did burn
incense to it ; and he called it Ne-
hushtan. 1 He trusted in the LORD
God of Israel.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
did wisely in all things, whatsoever he
undertook. And he rebelled against
the King of Assyria, and served him
not. He smote the Philistines, even
unto Gaza, and all their borders, from
the tower of the watchmen to the
fenced city.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(P. 224.)
Third Lesson.
T N the fourth year of King Hezekiah,
which was the seventh year of
Hoshea, son of Elah, King of Israel,
Shalmaneser King of Assyria came up
against Samaria, and besieged it, and
took it. For at the end of three years,
even in the sixth year of Hezekiah,
that is, the ninth year of Hoshea,
King of Israel, Samaria was taken.
And the King of Assyria did carry
away Israel into Assyria, and put them
in Halah and in Habor by the river
of Gozan, in the cities of the Medes
because they obeyed not the voice
of the LORD their God, but trans
gressed His covenant : all that Moses,
the servant of the LORD commanded,
they would not hear them nor do
them.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Second Lesson.
OO that after him there was none
like him among all the kings of
Judah ; nor any that were before him ;
for he clave to the LORD, and de
parted not from following Him, and
kept His commandments, which the
LORD commanded Moses. Therefore
the LORD also was with him, and he
1 " A piece of brass."
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the So?ig of the Blessed
Virgin. 2 I beseech Thee, O LORD,
* remember now how I have walked
before Thee in truth and with a per
fect heart, and have done that which
is good in Thy sight.
Prayer from the succeeding Lauds.
ELEVENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
327
Suntrag after
The Eleventh Lord s Day after
Pentecost.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xx. i.)
T N those days was Hezekiah sick
unto death, and the Prophet
Isaiah, the son of Amoz, came to him,
and said unto him : Thus saith the
LORD Set thine house in order, for
thou shalt die and not live. Then he
turned his face to the wall, and prayed
unto the LORD, saying : I beseech
Thee, O LORD, remember now how I
have walked before Thee in truth and
with a perfect heart, and have done
that which is good in Thy sight. And
Hezekiah wept sore.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
Second Lesson.
AND afore Isaiah was gone out into
^~^ the middle court, the word of
the LORD came to him saying : Turn
again, and tell Hezekiah, the Captain
of My people : Thus saith the LORD,
the God of David thy father I
have heard thy prayer ; I have seen
thy tears ; and, behold, I have healed
thee : on the third day thou shalt go
up into the house of the LORD. And
I will add unto thy days fifteen years ;
and I will deliver thee and this city
out of the hand of the king of Assyria ;
and I will defend this city for Mine
own sake, and for My servant David s
sake. And Isaiah said : Take a lump
of figs. And they took and laid it
on the boil and he recovered.
Second Responsory.
God, Which heareth all, &c.,
(p. 222.)
Third Lesson.
AND Hezekiah said unto Isaiah :
^^ What shall be the sign that the
LORD will heal me, and that I shall
go up into the house of the LORD
the third day ? And Isaiah said :
This sign shalt thou have of the LORD,
that the LORD will do the thing that
He hath spoken Wilt thou that the
shadow shall go forward ten degrees,
or go back ten degrees ? And Heze
kiah answered : It is a light thing for
the shadow to go down ten degrees :
nay, but let the shadow return back
ward ten degrees. And Isaiah the
Prophet cried unto the LORD : and
He brought the shadow ten degrees
backward, by which it had gone down
in the dial of Ahaz.
77iird Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c,
(P- 222 -)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Exposi
tion of the Prophet Isaiah written
by St Jerome, Priest [at Bethlehem.]
(Bk. ii. on Is. xxxviii.)
T EST the heart of Hezekiah should
T-* be puffed up by his strange and
unlocked for triumphs, and by his
victory when he was but a prisoner,
he was visited by bodily weakness,
and told that he was to die ; that he
might betake himself to the Lord, and
328
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
turn Him from carrying out the
sentence. We read of a like case in
the history of the Prophet Jonah
(ii. 4, 10.) And in regard to the
threatening made against David (2
Kings (Sam.) xxiv. 16) when punish
ments were foretold which were not
brought to pass. This is not because
that God is a Being capable of chang
ing His mind, but because He willeth
to mankind to know Him, how that
" He [is gracious and merciful, slow
to anger, and of great kindness, and]
repenteth Him of the evil." (Joel ii.
13.) Hezekiah turned his face unto
the wall, not being able to go up to
the Temple. This may either mean
that he turned towards the wall of
the Temple, hard by which Solomon
had built a palace, or simply, that he
turned his face to the wall, so as not
to parade his tears before his attend
ants.
Fourth Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Fifth Lesson.
TTAVING been told that he was
about to die, he prayed not for
life and many years, but left it to God
to do as in His good judgment He
was pleased to will. He knew how
this had pleased God on the part of
Solomon. (3 (i) Kings iii. n.) So,
when he betook him to the Lord, he
only made mention of his works, how
he had walked before Him in truth,
and with a perfect heart. Happy is
he whose conscience in the hour of
affliction can assure him of good
works. Yea, "blessed are the pure
in heart, for they shall see God "
(Matth. v. 8.) It is indeed written
in another place : " Who can say, I
have made my heart clean, I am pure
from my sin?" (Prov. xx. 9.) How
then could Hezekiah say that he had
walked with a perfect heart ? But the
answer is, that by this is meant that
he had destroyed the idols, opened
the doors of the Temple, broken in
pieces the brazen serpent, and done
the rest of the things whereof the
Scripture maketh mention.
Fifth Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c.,
(P. 223.)
Sixth Lesson.
" A ND Hezekiah wept sore." He
^^ had then no children, and it
seemed as though the promise which
God had made unto David, [that
"his seed should endure for ever, and
his throne as the sun before" Him,
(Ps. Ixxxviii. 29,)] was about to fail
in his own death. It is written that
" Manasseh was twelve years old
when he began to reign," (xxi. i)
whence it is evident that Hezekiah
begat him not till after three years
of his new lease of life. Sore there
fore wept he, when all hope was torn
from him that the Messiah should
spring from his seed. Others again
remark that he wept sore, since death
terrineth sometimes even the saints,
since they know not what sentence is
about to be pronounced upon them,
and what place shall be allotted them
in the inscrutable judgment.
Sixth Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
ELEVENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
329
Second Day,
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xxii. i.)
JOS I AH was eight years old when
he began to reign, and he reigned
thirty and one years in Jerusalem.
His mother s name was Jedidah, the
daughter of Odaiah of Boscath. And
he did that which was right in the
sight of the LORD, and walked in all
the way of David his father, and
turned not aside to the right hand or
to the left. And in the eighteenth
year of Josiah the king sent Shaphan,
the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshul-
lam, the Scribe, to the house of the
LORD, saying : Go up to Hilkiah the
High Priest, that he may sum the
silver which is brought into the house
of the LORD, which the doorkeepers
of the temple have gathered of the
people, and let them deliver it into
the hand of the doers of the work,
that have the oversight of the house
of the LORD, and let them give it to
the doers of the work which is in the
house of the LORD.
First Responsory.
Remember, O Lord, Thy covenant,
&c., (p. 268.)
Second Lesson, ( 8 . )
AND Hilkiah the Priest said unto
^^ Shaphan the Scribe : I have
found a book of the Law in the house
of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the
book to Shaphan, and he read it.
And Shaphan the Scribe came to the
King, and brought the King word
again and said : Thy servants have
gathered the money that was found
in the house of the Lord, and have
delivered it into the hand of them
that do the work, that have the over
sight of the house of the LORD. And
Shaphan the Scribe told the King,
saying : Hilkiah the Priest hath de
livered me a book.
Second Responsory,
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson,
A ND Shaphan read it before the
King. And when the King had
heard the words of the book of the
Law of the Lord, he rent his clothes.
And the King commanded Hilkiah
the Priest, and Ahikam, the son of
Micha, and Shaphan the Scribe, and
Asahiah, a servant of the King s, say
ing : Go ye, enquire of the LORD for
me, and for the people, and for all
Judah, concerning the words of this
book that is found : for great is the
wrath of the LORD, that is kindled
against us, because our fathers have
not hearkened unto the words of this
book, to do according to all that which
is written concerning us.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xxiii. 2.)
AND the King went up into the
^^ house of the LORD, and all the
men of Judah, and all the inhabitants
330
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
of Jerusalem with him, and the Priests
and the Prophets, and all the people,
both small and great ; and he read in
their ears all the words of the book of
the covenant, which was found in the
house of the LORD. And the King
stood on the platform, 1 and made a
covenant before the LORD, to walk
after the LORD, and to keep His com
mandments, and His testimonies, and
His statutes, with all their heart, and
with all their soul, to perform the
words of this covenant, that were
written in this book. And all the
people stood to the covenant.
First Responsory.
Lord, when Thy people, &c., (p.
269.)
Second Lesson.
A ND the King commanded Hilkiah
" the High Priest, and the Priests
of the second order, and the keepers
of the door, to bring forth out of the
temple of the LORD all the vessels
that had been made for Baal, and for
the "Grove," and for all the host of
heaven. And he burnt them without
Jerusalem, in the valley of Kidron,
and carried the ashes of them unto
Bethel. And he put down the idol
atrous priests whom the kings of
Judah had ordained to offer in the
high places in the cities of Judah, and
in the places round about Jerusalem ;
them also that burnt incense unto
Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and
to the twelve signs [of the Zodiac], 2
and to all the host of heaven.
Second Responsory.
And it came to pass, &c., (p. 270.)
Third Lesson.
A ND he brought out the "Grove"
^^^ from the house of the LORD,
without Jerusalem, into the vale of
Kidron, and burnt it there, and
stamped it small to powder, and cast
the powder thereof upon the graves
of the common people. And he brake
down the houses of the unsexed
wretches, 3 that were in the house of
the LORD, for whom women wove
tents, like the tents of the " Grove."
And he brought all the priests out
of the cities of Judah, and defiled the
high places where the priests had
offered, from Gibeah unto Beersheba.
Third Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xxiii. 24.)
A/TOREOVER, the workers with
familiar spirits, and the wizards,
and the images of the idols, and the
unclean things, and the abominations
that were in Judah and in Jerusalem,
did Josiah put away, that he might
set up the words of the Law, which
were written in the book that Hilkiah
the Priest found in the house of the
LORD. Like unto him was there no
king before him, that turned to the
LORD with all his heart, and with all
his soul, and with all his might, ac
cording to all the Law of Moses ;
neither after him arose there any like
1 Apparently the structure for the King s use mentioned in 2 Par. (Chron.) vi. 13.
2 Hebrew, "the inns," viz. the temporary resting-places of the sun during the course of the
year. 3 Effeminati,
ELEVENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
331
him. Notwithstanding, the LORD
turned not from the fierceness of His
great wrath, wherewith His anger was
kindled against Judah, because of all
the provocations that Manasseh l had
provoked Him withal.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
A ND the LORD said : I will remove
Judah also out of My sight, as
I have removed Israel, and will cast
off this city Jerusalem, which I have
chosen, and the house of which I
said : My Name shall be there. Now
the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all
that he did, are they not written in
the book of the Chronicles of the
kings of Judah ? In his days
Pharaoh - Nechoh, King of Egypt,
went up against the King of Assyria
to the River Euphrates, and King
Josiah went against him ; and he slew
him at Megiddo, when he had seen
him. And his servants carried him
dead from Megiddo, and brought him
to Jerusalem, and buried him in his
own sepulchre.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(p. 224.)
Third Lesson.
A ND the people of the land took
Jehoahaz, the son of Josiah, and
anointed him, and made him king in
his father s stead. Jehoahaz was
twenty and three years old when he
began to reign ; and he reigned three
months in Jerusalem. His mother s
name was Hamutal, the daughter of
Jeremiah of Libnah. And he did that
which was evil in the sight of the
LORD, according to all that his fathers
had done. And Pharaoh-Nechoh put
him in bands at Riblah, in the land
of Hamath, that he might not reign
in Jerusalem, and put the land to a
tribute of an hundred talents of silver
and a talent of gold. And Pharaoh-
Nechoh made Eliakim, the son of
Josiah, king, in the room of Josiah
his father, and turned his name to
Jehoiakim. And he took Jehoahaz
away, and brought him into Egypt ;
and he died there.
Third Respo?isory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xxiii. 36.)
JEHOIAKIM was twenty and five
J years old when he began to
reign ; and he reigned eleven years
in Jerusalem. His mother s name
was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah
of Rumah. And he did that which
was evil in the sight of the LORD,
according to all that his fathers had
done, (xxiv.) In his days Nebuch
adnezzar, King of Babylon, came up,
and Jehoiakim became his servant
three years ; then he turned and re
belled against him.
First Responsory.
Prepare your hearts, &c., (p. 221.)
1 This was the son of Hezekiah and grandfather of Josiah. 4 (2) Kings xxi. contains an
awful-account of his enormities, which transcended those of the worst heathens.
332
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Lesson.
AND the LORD sent against him
bands of rievers of the Chaldees,
and bands of rievers of the Syrians,
and bands of rievers of the Moabites,
and bands of rievers of the children
of Ammon ; and sent them against
Judah, to destroy it, according to the
word of the LORD, which He spake
by His servants the Prophets. Surely
at the commandment of the LORD
came this upon Judah, to remove them
out of His sight, for the sins of Manas-
seh, according to all that he did, and
for the innocent blood that he shed ;
for he filled Jerusalem with innocent
blood ; which the LORD would not
pardon.
Second Responsory.
God Which heareth all, &c., (p.
222.
Third Lesson.
NOW the rest of the acts of Jehoia-
kim, and all that he did, are
they not written in the book of the
Chronicles of the kings of Judah?
So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers ;
and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his
stead. And the King of Egypt came
not again any more out of his land ;
for the King of Babylon had taken
from the River of Egypt unto the
River Euphrates all that pertained to
the King of Egypt.
Third Responsory.
The LORD That delivered me, &c.,
(p. 222.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xxiv. 8.)
TEHOIACHIN was eighteen years
J old when he began to reign, and
he reigned in Jerusalem three months.
His mother s name was Nehushta,
the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusa
lem. And he did that which was evil
in the sight of the LORD, according to
all that his father had done. At that
time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar
King of Babylon came up against
Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.
And Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon
came against the city along with his
servants, to besiege it.
First Responsory.
Saul hath slain, &c., (p. 223.)
Second Lesson.
A ND Jehoiachin King of Judah
*** went out to the King of Baby
lon, he, and his mother, and his
servants, and his princes, and his
officers, and his eunuchs ; and the
King of Babylon took him in the
eighth year of his reign. And he
carried out thence all the treasures of
the house of the LORD, and the treas
ures of the King s house, and- cut in
pieces all the vessels of gold which
Solomon King of Israel had made in
the temple of the LORD as the LORD
had said. And he carried away all
Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all
the mighty men of valour, even ten
thousand captives and all the crafts
men and smiths ; none remained save
the poorest sort of the people of the
land.
Second Responsory.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, &c., (p.
223.)
Third Lesson.
ND he carried away Jehoiachin to
Babylon, and the King s mother,
and his eunuchs ; and the judges of
ELEVENTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST.
333
the land carried he into captivity from
Jerusalem to Babylon ; and all the
men of might, even seven thousand,
and craftsmen and smiths, a thou
sand ; all that were strong and apt
for war, even them the King of
Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
And he made Mattaniah, his father s
brother, king, in his stead, and
changed his name to Zedekiah.
TJiird Responsory.
Thus saith the LORD, &c., (p. 223.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Fourth
Book of Kings (xxiv. 18.)
VEDEKIAH was twenty and one
years old when he began to
reign ; and he reigned eleven years
in Jerusalem. His mother s name
was Hamutal, the daughter of Jere
miah of Libnah. And he did that
which was evil in the sight of the
LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim
had done. For the LORD was pro
voked against Jerusalem and Judah,
until He cast them out from His pre
sence. And Zedekiah rebelled against
the King of Babylon, (xxv.) And it
came to pass in the ninth year of his
reign, in the tenth month, in the
tenth day of the month, that Nebuch
adnezzar King of Babylon came, he
and all his host, against Jerusalem,
and pitched against it, and built forts
against it round about. And the city
was shut up and trenched round about
unto the eleventh year of King Zede
kiah, on the ninth day of the month ;
and the famine prevailed in the city,
and there was no bread for the people
of the land.
First Responsory.
My sins are many, &c., (p. 224.)
Second Lesson.
AND the city was broken up, and
all the men of war fled by
night, by the way of the gate between
two walls, which is by the King s
garden. (And the Chaldees still be
set the city round about.) So the
King fled by the way which leadeth
toward the plains of the desert. And
the army of the Chaldees pursued
after the King, and overtook him in
the plains of Jericho ; and all the men
of war that were with him were scat
tered, and left him. So they took the
King, and brought him up to the
King of Babylon to Riblah, and he
gave judgment upon him. And he
slew the sons of Zedekiah before his
eyes, and put out his eyes, and bound
him with fetters, and carried him to
Babylon.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Thou hast hearkened, &c.,
(P. 224.)
Third Lesso?i.
T N the fifth month, on the seventh
day of the month, (which is the
nineteenth year of the King of Baby
lon,) came Nebuzar-adan, captain of
the host, a servant of the King of
Babylon, unto Jerusalem. And he
burnt the house of the LORD, and the
King s house, and the houses of Jeru
salem ; even all the houses burnt he
with fire. And all the army of the
Chaldees, that were with the captain
of the host, brake down the walls of
Jerusalem round about. And the
rest of the people that had been left
in the city, and the fugitives that had
fallen away to the King of Babylon,
334
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
with the remnant of the multitude,
did Nebuzar-adan, the captain of the
host, carry away. But of the poor of
the land left he to be vine-dressers
and husbandmen. And the pillars
of brass that were in the house of the
LORD, and the bases, and the brazen
sea that was in the house of the
LORD, did the Chaldees break in
pieces, and carried all the brass of
them to Babylon.
Third Responsory.
Hearken, O LORD, &c., (p. 225.)
Prayer at Vespers from the succeed
ing Lauds.
On the Sunday nearest to the \st
day of August, whether it be before or
after that day, is begun the Book of
Proverbs, and at the Song of the
Blessed Virgin on the preceding even
ing is said the Antiphon, "Wisdom
hath builded, c."
As regards Responsories, see the
Pye, chapter xxvii., section 7.
AUGUST.
First Week.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin on the preceding Saturday
evening. * Wisdom hath builded her
house, * she hath hewn out her seven
pillars ; she hath broken the nations
under her ; in the greatness of her
strength she hath trodden under her
feet the necks of such as be haughty
and proud.
1 Prov. ix. i ; Ecclus. xxiv. n.
Jirst Suntiag of August.
The First Lord s Day of August.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here begin the Proverbs of Solomon
"~PHE Proverbs of Solomon, the son
of David, King of Israel, to
know wisdom and instruction ; to
perceive the words of understanding ;
to receive the instruction of wisdom,
justice, and judgment, and equity ;
to give subtilty to the simple ; to the
young man, knowledge and discretion.
A wise man will hear, and will in
crease his wisdom ; and a man of
understanding shall know how to
rule. He will consider a proverb,
and the interpretation ; the words of
the wise, and their dark sayings.
First Responsory.
2 God [possessed me] in the begin
ning, before He made the earth, be
fore He created the depths, before
He caused the fountains of water to
spring. Before the mountains were
settled, before there were any hills,
did the Lord beget me.
Verse. When He prepared the
heavens, I was there with Him, order
ing all things.
Answer. Before the mountains
were settled, before there were any
hills, did the Lord beget me.
Second Lesson.
"THE fear of the LORD is the be-
ginning of wisdom. Fools de
spise wisdom and instruction. My son,
hear the instruction of thy father, and
2 viii. 22, et seq.
FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST.
335
forsake not the law of thy mother ;
for they shall be an ornament of grace
unto thine head, and a collar 1 about
thy neck. My son, if sinners entice
thee, consent thou not to them. If
they say : Come with us, let us lay
wait for blood, let us spread a net
without a cause for him that is inno
cent, let us swallow him up alive like
the grave, and whole, as those that
go down into the pit. We shall find
all precious substance, we shall fill
our houses with spoil. Cast in thy
lot among us ; let us all have one
purse.
Second Responsory.
2 1 alone compassed the circuit of
heaven, and walked on the waves of
the sea. In every nation and in
every people, I held the first place.
In the greatness of my strength have
I trodden under my feet the necks of
such as be haughty and proud.
Verse. I dwell in the highest
places, and my throne is in a cloudy
pillar.
Answer. In the greatness of my
strength have I trodden under my feet
the necks of such as be haughty and
proud.
Third Lesson.
JY/TY son, walk not thou in the way
with them ; refrain thy foot
from their path. For their feet run
to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
Surely, in vain the net is spread in
the sight of any bird. They also lay
wait for their own blood, and plot
against their own lives. So the ways
of every one that is greedy of gain
take away the lives of the owners
thereof.
Third Responsory.
3 O send out wisdom from the
throne of Thy glory, O Lord, to be
with me, and to labour with me, that
I may know at all times what is
pleasing unto Thee.
Verse. Give me wisdom, O Lord,
that sitteth by Thy throne.
Answer. That I may know at all
times what is pleasing unto Thee.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. That I may know at all
times what is pleasing unto Thee.
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Treatise
of St Ambrose, Bishop [of Milan,]
upon the cxviiith Psalm. (Sermon
v. 6.)
"THE Prophet saith that " the fear
of the LORD is the beginning
of wisdom." And what is the first
act of wisdom but to renounce the
world ? since to love the things of
the world is folly. So indeed saith
the Apostle: "The wisdom of this
world is foolishness with God." (i
Cor. iii. 19.) But the very fear of
the Lord itself is useless, nay, harm
ful, if it be not according to know
ledge. The Jews have a truly fervent
zeal for God, but since they have
not knowledge, their very zeal and
fear do cause them to do things
contrary to God s will. That they
circumcise their children, that they
keep holy the Sabbath-Day, showeth
how they fear the Lord, but know
ing not the spiritual meaning of the
Law, they circumcise the body and
not the heart.
Fourth Responsory.
4 Give me wisdom, O Lord, that
sitteth by Thy throne, and reject me
not from among Thy children. For
1 Torques : a twisted collar, or neck-chain.
3 Wisd. ix. 10, 4.
-2 Ecclus. xxiv. 8- 1 1, 7.
4 Wisd. ix. 5, 10.
336
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
I am Thy servant and son of Thine
handmaid.
Verse. O send her out from the
throne of Thy glory, to be with me
and to labour with me.
Answer. For I am Thy servant
and son of Thine handmaid.
Fifth Lesson.
T)UT wherefore should I speak of
Jews ? There are those among
ourselves who have the fear of God,
but not according to knowledge, and
set up hard ordinances which the
weakness of man is not able to bear.
They fear God in this, that they seem
to themselves to be looking to dis
cipline, and to be enforcing the
practice of godliness, but they lack
knowledge, in that they feel not for
the weakness of nature, nor consider
whether a thing can, or cannot be
done. Let not then the fear of
God be unreasonable. True wisdom
beginneth with the fear of God,
neither is it spiritual wisdom without
the fear of God, but neither ought the
fear of God to be without wisdom.
Fifth Responsory.
1 The fear of the LORD is the be
ginning of wisdom. A good under
standing have all they that do His
commandments. His praise endureth
for ever.
Verse. Love is the keeping of her
laws, for all wisdom is the fear of the
Lord.
Answer. A good understanding-
have all they that do His command
ments. His praise endureth for ever.
H
Sixth Lesson.
OLY fear is the foundation of all
good instruction. Just as a
statue is set up upon a pedestal, and
1 Ps. ex. 10 ; Wisd. vi. 18.
thereby receiveth both beauty and
strength, even so doth it become the
word of God to be set forth based
upon an holy fear, and it is in the
heart of him that feareth that it getteth
the firmest root, even an home where-
from it droppeth not, neither do the
fowls of the air come and carry it
away, as from the heart of him that
is careless and deceiving.
Sixth Responsory.
2 Lord, remove far from me vanity
and lies. Give me neither poverty nor
riches, but feed me with food con
venient for me.
Verse. Two things have I required
of Thee ; deny me them not before
I die.
Answer. Give me neither poverty
nor riches, but feed me with food con
venient for me.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Give me neither poverty
nor riches, but feed me with food con
venient for me.
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
3 O Lord, Father and God of my
life, leave me not to evil counsels ;
give me not a proud look, but turn
away from me an haughty mind, O
Lord ! Turn away from me con
cupiscence, and give me not over
unto an impudent and froward mind,
O Lord !
Verse. Leave me not, O Lord, lest
mine ignorance increase, and my sins
abound.
Answer. And give me not over unto
an impudent and froward mind, O Lord.
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
, 7. 3 Ecclus. xxiii. 4-6, 3.
FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST.
337
Seco7id Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Proverbs
of Solomon (iii. I.)
1Y/F Y son, forget not my law, but let
thine heart keep my command
ments. For length of days, and long-
life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee ;
bind them about thy neck ; write them
upon the table of thine heart ; so shalt
thou find favour and good understand
ing in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all thine
heart, and lean not upon thine own
understanding. In all thy ways ac
knowledge Him, and He shall direct
thy paths.
First Responsory.
1 O Lord, Father and Governor of
my life, leave me not, lest I fall be
fore mine adversaries, and mine enemy
rejoice over me.
Verse. Take hold of shield and
buckler, and stand up for mine
help.
Answer. Lest mine enemy rejoice
over me.
Second Lesson.
T)E not wise in thine own eyes ; fear
God, and depart from evil ; it
shall be health to thy navel, and mar
row to thy bones. Honour the LORD
with thy substance, and with the first
fruits of all thine increase ; so shall
thy barns be filled with plenty, and
thy presses shall burst out with
new Wine.
Second Responsory.
2 Great are Thy judgments, O Lord,
and Thy words cannot be expressed.
Thou didst make Thy people mighty
and honourable.
Verse. Thou broughtest them
through the Red Sea, and leddest them
through much water.
Answer. Thou didst make Thy
people mighty and honourable.
Third Lesson.
1V/T Y son, despise not the chastening
of the LORD ; neither faint
when thou art corrected of Him. For
whom the LORD loveth He chasteneth,
even as a father the son in whom he
delighteth. Happy is the man that
findeth wisdom, and the man that
getteth understanding ; for the pur
chasing thereof is better than the
merchandise of silver, and the gain
thereof than the finest [and purest 3 ]
gold. She is more precious than all
riches, and all the things thou canst
desire are not to be compared unto
her.
Third Responsory.
4 Lord, Thine eyes behold all that
is in the heart of man, and in Thy
book are they all written. 5 Man
looketh on the outward appearance,
but God looketh on the heart.
Verse. 6 For He searcheth all
hearts, and understandeth all the imag
inations of the thoughts.
Answer. Man looketh on the out
ward appearance, but God looketh on
the heart.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Man looketh on the out
ward appearance, but God looketh on
the heart.
1 Ecclus. xxiii. i, 3 ; Ps. xxxiv. 2.
4 Cf. Ps. cxxxviii. 16.
2 Wisd. xvii. i ; x. 18.
5 i Kings (Sam.) xvi. 7.
3 Not in the Hebrew text.
6 i Par. (Chron.) xxviii. 9.
338
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Proverbs
of Solomon (v. I . )
IV/TY son, attend unto my wisdom,
and bow thine ear to my under
standing : that thou mayest keep my
counsels, and that thy lips may pre
serve knowledge. [Give not heed to
a seductress. 1 ] For the lips of an
harlot drop as an honey-comb, and
her mouth is smoother than oil. But
her end is bitter as wormwood, yea,
sharp as a two-edged sword. Her
feet go down to death, and her steps
take hold on hell. They walk not in
the path of life ; her ways are move-
able : thou canst not know them.
First Responsory.
2 My son, give me thine heart, and
let thine eyes observe my ways. For
they shall be an ornament of grace
unto thine head.
Verse. My son, attend unto my
wisdom, and incline thine ear unto
my sayings.
Answer. For they shall be an
ornament of grace unto thine head.
Second Lesson.
IT EAR me now therefore, O my
son, and depart not from the
words of my mouth. Remove thy
way far from her, and come not
nigh the door of her house ; lest thou
give thine honour unto others, and
thy years unto the cruel ; lest strangers
be rilled with thy strength, and thy
labours be in the house of a stranger ;
and thou mourn at the last, when thy
flesh and thy body are consumed :
and say : Why have I hated instruction,
and mine heart despised reproof, and
have not obeyed the voice of my
teachers, nor inclined mine ear to
them that instructed me ?
Second Responsory.
The fear of the LORD, &c., (p. 336.)
Third Lesson . (20.)
\WHY wilt thou, my son, be ravished
with a strange woman, and be
cherished in the bosom of a stranger ?
The ways of man are before the eyes
of the LORD, and He considereth all
his goings. His own iniquities shall
take the wicked himself, and he shall
be holden with the cords of his own
sins. He shall die for want of in
struction, and go astray in the great
ness of his folly.
Third Responsory.
Lord, remove, &c., (p. 336.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the
verbs of Solomon (viii. i.)
Pro-
D
|OTH not wisdom cry, and under
standing put forth her voice ?
She standeth in the top of high places,
by the way, in the midst of the paths.
She crieth at the gates, at the entry of
the city, at the coming in at the doors,
saying : Unto you, O men, I call, and
my voice is to the sons of man. O ye
simple, understand wisdom, and, ye
1 Not in the. Hebrew text.
2 xxiii. 26 : i. 9 ; iv. 20.
FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST.
339
fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
Hear, for I will speak of excellent
things, and the opening of my lips
shall be right things.
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (p.
336.)
Second Lesson.
IX/TY mouth shall speak truth, and
wickedness is an abomination to
my lips. All the words of my mouth
are in righteousness ; there is nothing
froward or perverse in them. They
are all plain to him that understandeth,
and right to them that find knowledge.
Receive my instruction, and not silver ;
and knowledge, rather than choice
gold. For wisdom is better than all
precious stones, and all the thing s
that may be desired are not to be
compared to it.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, c., (p.
337-)
Third Lesson.
T WISDOM, dwell with prudence,
and find out knowledge of witty
inventions. The fear of the LORD is
to hate evil ; pride, and arrogancy, and
the evil way, and the double mouth, do
I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound
wisdom ; understanding is mine ; mine
is strength. By me kings reign, and
law -givers decree justice. By me
princes rule, and the mighty command
righteousness. I love them that love
me, and those that seek me early
shall find me.
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
337-)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Pro
verbs of Solomon (x. i.)
A WISE son maketh a glad father,
^^ but a foolish son is the heaviness
of his mother. Treasures of wicked
ness profit nothing, but righteousness
delivereth from death. The LORD will
not suffer the soul of the righteous to
famish, but He casteth away the de
signs of the wicked. He becometh
poor that dealeth with a slack hand,
but the hand of the diligent maketh
rich. [He that useth lies in conten
tion, doth but feed the winds, yea, he
but folio weth birds that fly away. 1 ]
He that gathereth in summer is a wise
son, but he that sleepeth in harvest is
a son that causeth shame.
First Responsory.
God [possessed me], &c., (p. 334.)
Second Lesson.
HP HE blessing [of the Lord l ] is upon
the head of the just, but violence
covereth the mouth of the wicked.
The memory of the just is blessed, but
the name of the wicked shall rot.
The wise in heart will receive com
mandments, but a prating fool shall
be beaten. He that walketh uprightly,
walketh surely, but he that perverteth
his ways shall be known. He that
winketh with the eye causeth sorrow ;
and a prating fool shall be beaten.
Second Responsory.
I alone compassed, &c., (p. 335.)
Not in the present Hebrew.
340
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Lesson.
HPHE mouth of a righteous man is a
^ well of life, but violence covereth
the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stir-
reth up strife, but love covereth all
sins. In the lips of him that hath
understanding wisdom is found, but a
rod is for the back for him that is void
of understanding. Wise men lay up
knowledge, but the mouth of the
foolish is near destruction. The rich
man s wealth is his strong city, but
the destruction of the poor is their
poverty. The labour of the righteous
tendeth to life, but the fruit of the
wicked to sin.
Third Responsory.
O send out wisdom, &c., (p. 335-)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Proverbs
of Solomon (xiv. i.)
T^VERY wise woman buildeth her
-^ house, but the foolish plucketh
it down with her hands. He that
walketh in his uprightness, and feareth
the LORD, is despised of him that is
perverse in his ways. In the mouth
of the foolish is a rod of pride, but the
lips of the wise shall preserve them.
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean ;
but where there is much increase, there
the strength of the ox is seen. A
faithful witness will not lie, but a false
witness will utter lies.
First Responsory.
9
Give me wisdom, &c., (p. 335.)
Second Lesson.
A SCORNER seeketh wisdom and
^ findeth it not, but knowledge is
easy unto him that understandeth. Go
from the presence of a foolish man,
when thou seest that he knoweth not
the lips of knowledge. The wisdom
of the prudent is to understand his
way, but the folly of fools is to wander.
Fools make a mock at sin, but among
the righteous there is favour. The
heart knoweth its own bitterness, and
a stranger doth not meddle with his
joy. The house of the wicked shall be
overthrown, but the tabernacle of the
upright shall flourislf.
Second Responsory.
The fear of the LORD, &c., (p. 336.)
T
Third Lesson.
HERE is a way which seemeth
right unto a man, but the end
thereof are the ways of death. Even
in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and
the end of mirth is heaviness. The
backslider in heart shall be filled with
his own ways, and a good man shall
be happier than he. The simple
believeth every word, but the prudent
man looketh well to his going. [A
tricksome fellow getteth good out of
nothing ; but the doings of a wise
servant are prosperous, and his way is
smooth. 1 ] A wise man feareth, and
departeth from evil ; but the fool
plungeth in boldly, and is confident.
Third Responsory.
Lord, remove far from me, &c., (p.
336.)
Not in the present Hebrew text.
SECOND WEEK OF AUGUST.
341
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Proverbs
of Solomon (xvi. i.)
T^HE preparation of the heart is
man s, but the government of his
tongue is from the LORD. All the
ways of a man are clean in his own
eyes, but the LORD weigheth the
spirits. Lay open thy works unto the
LORD, and thy thoughts shall be
established. The LORD hath made
all things for Himself, yea, even the
wicked for the day of evil. Every one
that is proud in heart is an abomina
tion to the LORD ; though hand join
in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (p.
336.)
Second Lesson.
[ "TO do righteousness is the begin-
ning of a good way, and it is
more acceptable in the sight of God,
than to offer sacrifices. 1 ] By mercy
and truth iniquity is purged, and by
the fear of the LORD men depart from
evil. When a man s ways please the
LORD, He maketh even his enemies
to be at peace with him. Better is a
little with righteousness, than great
revenues with iniquity. A man s
heart deviseth his way ; but the LORD
directeth his steps.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (p.
3370
Third Lesson.
A DIVINE sentence is in the lips
"^^ of the king ; his mouth trans-
gresseth not in judgment. A just
weight and balance are the LORD S ;
all the weights of the bag are His
work. It is an abomination to kings
to commit wickedness, for the throne is
established by righteousness. Right
eous lips are the delight of kings, and
they love him that speaketh right.
The wrath of a king is as messengers
of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
In the light of the king s countenance
is life, and his favour is as a cloud of
the latter rain.
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
3370
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. 2 1 dwell in the highest *
places, and my throne is in a cloudy
pillar.
Prayer from the succeeding Lauds.
Seconti Suntiag of
The Second Lor d^s Day of August.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of Ecclesi-
astes 3 (i. i.)
HTHE words of the Preacher, the
son of David, King of Jerusalem.
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher,
i Not in the present Hebrew. 2 Ecclus. xxiv. 7.
3 I.e. " Preacher." Hebrew " Koheleth." The work has been generally regarded, both by
Jews and Christians, as written by Solomon.
VOL. III. M
342
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
vanity of vanities ; all is vanity. What
profit hath a man of all his labour
which he taketh under the sun ? One
generation passeth away, and another
generation cometh ; but the earth
abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth
and goeth down, and hasteth to his
place where he arose ; thence he
ariseth again, and maketh his round
by the South, turning again to the
North. The wind whirleth about
continually, and returneth again ac
cording to his circuits. All the rivers
run into the sea ; yet the sea doth not
overflow ; unto the place from whence
the rivers come, thither they return
to flow again.
First Responsory.
God [possessed me], &c., (p. 334.)
Second Lesson.
A LL things are full of labour : man
** cannot utter it. The eye is not
satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled
with hearing. The thing that hath
been, what is it ? It is even that
which shall be. That which is done,
what is it ? It is even that which
shall be done. There is no new thing
under the sun, neither anything where
of it may be said : See, this is new.
It hath been already, of old time,
which was before us. There is no
remembrance of former things, neither
shall there be any remembrance of
things that are to come, with those
that shall come after.
Second Responsory.
I alone compassed, &c., (p. 335-)
Third Lesson.
T THE Preacher, was king over
Israel in Jerusalem, and I gave
my heart to seek and search out by
wisdom concerning all things that are
done under heaven. This sore travail
hath God given to the sons of men,
to be exercised therewith. I have
seen all the works that are done under
the sun, and, behold, all is vanity and
vexation of spirit ! It is a toil to
correct the wayward, and the number
of fools is uncountable. I communed
with mine own heart, saying : Lo, I
am come to great estate, and have
gotten more wisdom than all they that
have been before me in Jerusalem ;
yea, my heart had great experience of
wisdom and knowledge. And I gave
my heart to know wisdom and learn
ing, and to know madness and folly.
Third Respo7isory.
O send out wisdom, &c., (p. 335-)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Sermons
of St John Chrysostom, Patriarch
[of Constantinople.] (Sermon
against concubinage .]
V\7"HILE Solomon was given up to
. the lust of the world, he deemed
the same a great and noble pursuit,
and expended thereon great labour
and care. He built magnificent pal
aces, he heaped up gold in plenty, he
gathered together choirs of singers,
and all sorts of servants to minister
to the luxury of his table and of his
fare. He sought enjoyment for his
heart from the charm of gardens and
of fair bodies. In short, he gave
himself up to the study of all kinds
of pleasure and recreation.
Fourth Responsory.
Give me wisdom, &c., (p. 335.)
SECOND WEEK OF AUGUST.
343
Fifth Lesson.
T) UT when he came to himself again,
and was once more able, as it
were, out of that dark pit, to look
upon the light of true wisdom, he
uttered that saying, so high, so worthy
of heaven "Vanity of vanities; all
is vanity." And ye also, if ever ye
will shake yourselves clear of your
debasing habit, will utter this cry, and
an higher cry than this, as ye turn
from your untimely indulgences.
Fifth Responsory.
The fear of the LORD, &c., (p. 336.)
Sixth Lesson.
*^pHE ages that had rolled before
the time of Solomon had not
left to his own so precious an in
heritance of wisdom [as those which
have preceded us have left to us] ;
the old law did not forbid these in
dulgences, nor pronounce it folly to
enjoy other idle luxuries and yet,
even with matters so, we can see how
low, how worthless, such things be.
As for us, we are called to a higher
life, we ascend to a nobler stand-point,
and brace ourselves in a manlier
school and why, but because we are
bidden to strive for a life like the life
of the spiritual and bodiless powers ?
Sixth Responsory.
Lord, remove far from me, &c., (p.
336.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
O Lord, Father, and God, &c., (p.
336.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Ecclesiastes (ii. i.)
T SAID in mine heart : Let me go
to now, and revel in my luxury,
and enjoy pleasure. And I saw that
this also is vanity. I said of laughter,
It is mad, and to mirth, Why mock-
est thou still ? I settled in mine heart
to keep back my flesh from wine, and
to turn my soul to wisdom, and to
give up folly, till I might see what
was that good for the sons of men,
which they should do under the sun
all the days of their life. I made me
great works, I builded me houses, and
planted me vineyards.
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and Governor, &c.,
(P- 3370
Second Lesson. ( 7 . )
T GOT me servants and maidens,
and had many to mine household,
cattle also, and great flocks of sheep,
above all that were in Jerusalem be
fore me. I gathered me also silver
and gold, and the treasures of kings
and of provinces ; I gat me men-singers
and women-singers, and the delights
of the sons of men, cups and flagons
for my service, to pour out wine
withal ; so I increased more in riches
than all that were before me in Jeru
salem ; also my wisdom remained with
me.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (p.
337-)
344
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Lesson.
A ND whatsoever mine eyes desired,
^^ I kept not from them ; I with
held not mine heart from any joy,
even from rejoicing in all my labour,
and this deemed I my wage of all
my labour. And when I turned and
looked on all the works that my
hands had wrought, and on the labour
whereon I had sweated in vain, I saw
that all was vanity and vexation of
spirit ! and that there is nothing-
lasting under the sun !
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes, &c., (p. 337.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Ecclesiastes (iii. i.)
"PO everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose
under the heaven. A time to be
born, and a time to die. A time to
plant, and a time to pluck up that
which is planted. A time to kill, and
a time to heal. A time to break
down, and a time to build up. A
time to weep, and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to cast away stones, and a
time to gather [stones] together. A
time to embrace, and a time to refrain
from embracing. A time to get, and
a time to lose. A time to keep, and
a time to cast away. A time to rend,
and a time to sew. A time to keep
silence, and a time to speak. A time
to love, and a time to hate. A time
of war, and a time of peace.
First Responsory.
My son, give me thine heart, &c.,
(P- 338.)
Second Lesson.
profit hath a man of that
wherein he laboureth ? I have
seen the travail which God hath given
to the sons of men, to be exercised
in it. He hath made everything good
in its time ; also He hath given the
world over to their wranglings, so that
no man can find out the work that
God maketh, from the beginning to
the end. And I know that there is
nothing better than for a man to
rejoice, and to do good in his life.
For that a man should eat and drink,
and enjoy the good of all his labour,
it is the gift of God.
Second Responsory.
The fear of the LORD, c., (p. 336.)
Third Lesson.
T KNOW that whatsoever GOD do-
eth, it shall be for ever ; by us
nothing can be put to it, nor anything
taken from it ; and God doeth it that
men should fear before Him. That
which hath been, is now ; and that
which is to be, hath already been ;
and God reneweth that which is past.
I saw under the sun the place of judg
ment, that wickedness was there ; and
the place of justice, that iniquity was
there. And I said in mine heart :
God shall judge the righteous and the
wicked, for there is a time then for
everything.
Third Responsory.
Lord, remove, &c., (p. 33-)
SECOND WEEK OF AUGUST.
345
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Ecclesiastes (iv. i.)
CO I returned, and considered all
^ the oppressions that are done
under the sun, and the tears of the
innocent, and that they had no com
forter, nor were able to resist their
oppressors, but were utterly help
less. Wherefore I praised the dead
more than the living ; yea, I judged
that better is he than both they,
which hath not yet been, who hath
not seen the evil work that is done
under the sun. Again I considered
all the travail of men, and every
right work, that for this a man is
envied of his neighbour, and how
that is also vanity and useless vexa
tion of spirit.
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (/.
336.)
Second Lesson.
HP HE fool foldeth his hands together,
and eateth his own flesh, [say
ing l ] : Better is an handful, with quiet
ness, than both the hands full, with
travail and vexation of spirit. I re
turned, and I saw another vanity
under the sun. There is one alone,
and there is not a second, yea, he
hath neither child nor brother ; yet is
there no end to all his labour, neither
is his eye satisfied with riches, neither
considereth he, saying : For whom do
I labour, and bereave my soul of
good ? This is also vanity, yea, it is
a sore travail.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (p.
3370
Third Lesson.
nrWO are better than one, because
they have profit from fellow
ship ; for if the one fall, his fellow
will lift him up. Woe to him that
is alone when he falleth, for he
hath not another to help him up.
Again, if two sleep together, then
they have heat one from the other ;
but how can one be warm alone ?
And if a man prevail against one,
yet may he be withstood of twain ;
a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Better is a poor and wise child than
an old and foolish king, who knoweth
not how to look to that which will
come after him.
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
3370
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Ecclesiastes (v. i.)
T)E not rash with thy mouth, and
^ let not thine heart be hasty to
utter anything before God. For God
is in heaven, and thou upon earth ;
therefore let thy words be few.
Dreams come from the multitude of
i Not in the Hebrew, and opposed to the apparent sense, which contrasts the comfort of
a little with quiet with the folly of calculations and anxiety.
346
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
business, and a fool s voice is known
by multitude of words. When thou
vowest a vow unto God, defer not to
pay it, for He is displeased at a broken
and foolish promise. Pay that which
thou hast vowed ; better it is that
thou shouldest not vow, than that thou
shouldest vow and not pay.
First Responsory.
God [possessed me], &c., (p. 334.)
Second Lesson.
CUFFER not thy mouth to cause
thy flesh to sin, neither say thou
before the angel, It is an error lest
God be angry at thy voice, and destroy
the work of thine hands. When there
is multitude of dreams, there are many
vanities, and store of words. But fear
thou God. If thou seest the oppres
sion of the poor, and violent perverting
of judgment and justice in a province,
marvel not at the matter : for he that
is high hath another higher, and there
be higher than they, and moreover
there is the King that reigneth over
all the land that is subject unto him.
under the sun ; riches kept for the
owners thereof, to their hurt. For
they perish by evil travail ; and he
begetteth a son, and there is nothing
in his hand.
Third Responsory.
O send out wisdom, &c., (p. 335.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Ecclesiastes (vi. i.)
HPHERE is an evil which I have
seen under the sun, and it is
common among men. A man to
whom God hath given riches, wealth,
and honour, so that he wanteth noth
ing to his soul of all that he desireth ;
yet God giveth him not power to eat
thereof, but a stranger eateth it. This
is vanity, and it is a great vexation.
Second Responsory.
I alone compassed, &c., (p. 335.)
First Responsory.
Give me wisdom, &c., (p. 335.)
Third Lesson.
A MISER is not satisfied with
** silver ; nor he that loveth abun
dance with increase. This is also
vanity. When goods increase, they
are increased that eat them. And
what good is it to the owners thereof,
saving the beholding of them with
their eyes ? The sleep of the labour
ing man is sweet, whether he eat little
or much ; but the fulness of the rich
will not suffer him to sleep. There
is another sore evil which I have seen
Second Lesson.
T F a man beget an hundred children,
and live many years, so that the
days of his years be many, and his
soul be not filled with good, and also
that he hath no burial, I say that an
untimely birth is better than he. For
he cometh in with vanity, and de-
parteth to darkness, and his name
passeth away into forgetfulness. He
hath not seen the sun, nor known the
difference between good and evil.
Yea, such an one is better than he,
SECOND WEEK OF AUGUST.
347
though he live a thousand years twice
told, seeing he hath not tasted en
joyment.
Second Responsory.
The fear of the Lord, &c., (p. 33 6 -)
Third Lesson.
T")O not all go to one place? All
the labour of man is for his
mouth, and yet the appetite is not
filled. What hath the wise more
than the fool ? What hath the poor,
but to go thither where is life ? Better
is it to see what thou longest for,
than to desire thou knowest not what.
This is also vanity and vexation of
spirit.
Third Responsory.
Lord, remove far from me, c., (p.
336.)
Book
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the
of Ecclesiastes (vii. I.)
AIT HAT need is there for a man
to seek for things above him,
seeing that he knoweth not what will
befall him in his life, nor the number
of the days of his pilgrimage, nor his
time, saving that it passeth away like
a shadow? Or who is there that
can tell him what shall be after him
under the sun ? A good name is
better than precious ointment, and
the day of death than the day of one s
birth. It is better to go to the house
of mourning than to go to the house of
feasting ; for in the [house of mourn
ing] is shown the end of all men, and
the living layeth to heart that which
will be.
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (p.
336.)
Second Lesson.
ANGER is better than laughter,
^^ for by the sternness of the coun
tenance the soul of the transgressor
is corrected. The heart of the wise
is in the house of mourning, but the
heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
It is better to hear the rebuke of the
wise, than to be caught by the flattery
of fools, for as the crackling of thorns
under the pot, so is the laughter of
the fool. This also is vanity. Surely
oppression maketh a wise man mad,
and destroyeth the strength of his
heart. Better is the end of a dis
course than the beginning thereof.
The patient in spirit is better than
the proud in spirit.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (p.
3370
Third Lesson.
CAY not thou: What is the cause
^ that the former days were better
than these ? For thou dost not in
quire wisely concerning this. Wis
dom is best along with riches, and
thereby is there more profit of it
to them that see the sun. For wis
dom is a defence, and money is a
defence. The excellency of know
ledge and wisdom is this, that they
give life to him that hath them. Con
sider the work of God, how that none
can make him right whom He hath
despised.
348
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Respotisory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
337-)
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. * All wisdom is of the Lord
God, and was with Him from ever
lasting, yea before time \vas.
Prayer of the succeeding Sunday.
irti SuttUag of
The Third Lord s Day of August.
If upon this Sunday should be the
Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin, or of St Joachim, or of St
Hyacinth, or the Octave - Day of St
Lawrence, then the Book of Wisdom
is begun upon either the Feast of St
Hyacinth or the Octave-Day of St
Lawrence, and it is read on the Feast
of St Bernard, and the Feast of Ste.
Jeanne Frances de Chantal, and upon
any days of the week which may come
after the Octave-Day of the Assump
tion. Upon the day on which the
Book of Wisdom is begun are read
the Lessons of Sunday, (with or with
out those of the day itself, if other than
the Sunday, ) but on the next day when
it is read, then the Lessons belonging
to the day, the Lessons of the inter
mediate days being omitted, (unless
they have been read with those of Sun
day, as above.}
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the 2 Book of Wisdom
(i. i.)
T OVE righteousness; ye that be
"-^ judges of the earth. Think of
the Lord with a good heart, and in
simplicity of heart seek Him ; for He
will be found of them that tempt Him
not, and show Himself unto such as
do not distrust Him. For froward
thoughts separate from God ; and His
power, when it is tried, reproveth the
unwise. For into a malicious soul
wisdom shall not enter, nor dwell in
the body that is subject unto sin.
First Responsory.
God [possessed me] in the begin
ning, &c., (p. 334.)
Second Lesso?i.
T7OR the holy spirit of discipline
will flee deceit, and remove from
thoughts that are without understand
ing, and will not abide when unright
eousness cometh in. For wisdom is a
loving spirit, and will not acquit an
evil-speaker of his words ; for God is
witness of his reins, and a true be
holder of his heart, and an hearer of
his tongue. For the Spirit of the
Lord filleth the world, and that which
containeth all things hath knowledge
of the voice. Therefore he that speak-
eth unrighteous things cannot be hid,
1 Ecclesiasticus i. i.
2 Abp. Kenrick says: "This book has been ascribed to Solomon, but ... is now generally
held to have been written long after his time, by an unknown individual ... at a time when
the Greek language prevailed among the Jews, and perhaps at Alexandria, subsequently to the
commencement of the translation of the Scriptures called the LXX. . . . The author was
probably an Alexandrian Jew, who possessed a knowledge of Greek, which he wrote with ease
and fluency." It is not found in Hebrew, nor in the Jewish Canon, nor in St Jerome s
translation.
THIRD WEEK OF AUGUST.
349
neither shall vengeance, when it pun-
isheth, pass by him.
Second Responsory.
I alone compassed, &c., (p. 335.)
Third Lesson.
T7OR inquisition shall be made into
the counsels of the ungodly ;
and the sound of his words shall come
unto God, for the punishment of his
wicked deeds. For the ear of jeal
ousy heareth all things, and the noise
of murmurings is not hid. There
fore, beware of murmuring, which is
unprofitable, and refrain your tongue
from back-biting, for there is no word
so secret that it shall go for nought ;
and the mouth that lieth, slayeth the
soul.
Third Responsory.
O send out wisdom, &c., (/. 335.)
SECOND NOCTURN,
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
St Ambrose, Bishop [of Milan,]
"On Offices." (Bk. \. c. 28.)
is the glory of justice. She
- liveth for others rather than for
herself. By her our commonwealth
and fellowship are holpen. She
holdeth such a pre-eminence that ail
things are subject unto her judgment.
She helpeth others. She giveth wealth.
She refuseth not to labour. She taketh
upon her the dangers of others. Who
would not desire to hold this castle
of power and courage, if the covetous-
ness of our first parents had not
weakened and distorted the strength
of our nerve ? But so it is, that,
while we are fain to increase wealth,
to put by money, to add lands to our
VOL. III.
possessions, or to make show of
our abundance, we put off the image
of justice, and lose charity toward
our brethren.
Fourth Responsory.
Give me wisdom, &c., (p. 335.
Fifth Lesson.
IT OW far-spreading is the field of
justice appeareth by this, that
there is excepted therefrom no place,
person, or time, nay, she hath to do
even as regards enemies, for if one
be agreed with his enemy of a certain
place, or day for battle, it should be
deemed unjust to fall on him before
hand, at some other place, or time.
For it is a very different thing, whether
one get the better of another in a
hard fight, or by skill, or by accident.
If therefore in war justice hath place,
how much more is she to be observed
in time of peace ?
Fifth Responsory.
The fear of the LORD, &c., (p. 336.)
Sixth Lesson.
TTONOUR is the foundation of
justice. The thoughts in the
hearts of just men are honourable
thoughts ; and when the just man
accuseth himself, it is honour that
bringeth him to that just deed. Then
is his justice made manifest by his
honourable avowal. The Lord saith
by Isaiah : " Behold, I lay in Zion
a foundation-stone" (xxviii. 16), that
is to say, He giveth Christ unto the
Church to be her foundation. Christ is
the true honour for all men, and the
Church is as it were a figure of justice,
being a commonwealth wherein all
M 2
350
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
have rights, and which worketh as
one, and suffereth as one. Whosoever
denieth himself, the same is just, and
worthy of Christ. Therefore also Paul
saith : " Other foundation can no man
lay than that is laid, which is JESUS
Christ " ( i Cor. iii. 1 1 ), and upon that
foundation is it, that every building of
justice must be raised. For [the
spirit of Christ is the true spirit of]
honour [which] is the foundation
[whereon justice resteth.]
Sixth Responsory.
Lord, remove far from me, &c., (p.
336.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (p.
336.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Wisdom (iii. i.)
T3UT the souls of the righteous are
in the hand of God, and there
shall no torment of death touch them.
In the sight of the unwise they seemed
to die, and their departure is taken
for misery, and their going from us
to be utter destruction but they are
in peace. For though they be
punished in the sight of men, yet is
their hope full of immortality : and
having been a little chastised, they
shall be greatly rewarded, for God
proved them and found them worthy
for Himself. As gold in the furnace
hath He tried them, and received them
as a burnt offering, and in time they
shall be regarded.
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and Governor, &c.,
(P- 3370
Second Lesson.
T^HE righteous shall shine, and run
to and fro like sparks among the
stubble. They shall judge the nations,
and have dominion over the people,
and their Lord shall reign for ever
and ever. They that put their trust
in Him shall understand the truth,
and such as be faithful in love shall
abide with Him ; for grace and mercy
is to His elect. But the ungodly shall
be punished according to their own
imaginations, which have neglected
the righteous and forsaken the Lord.
For whoso despiseth wisdom and
nurture, he is miserable ; and their
hope is vain, their labours unfruitful,
and their works unprofitable.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (p.
3370
Third Lesson, (v. 16.)
"DUT the righteous live for ever
more ; their reward also is with
the Lord, and the care of them is with
the Most High. Therefore shall they
receive a glorious kingdom, and a
beautiful crown from the Lord s hand ;
for with His right hand shall He cover
them, and with His holy arm shall
He protect them. He shall take to
Him His jealousy for complete armour,
and make the creature His weapon
for the revenge of His enemies. He
THIRD WEEK OF AUGUST.
351
shall put on righteousness as a breast
plate, and true judgment instead of
an helmet. He shall take equity for
an invincible shield, He shall sharpen
His severe wrath for a sword, and
the world shall fight with Him against
the unwise.
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
337.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Wisdom (vi. i.)
VyiSDOM is better than strength,
and a man of discretion than a
man of might. Hear therefore, O ye
kings, and understand ; learn, ye that
be judges of the ends of the earth.
Give ear, ye that rule the peoples, and
glory in the multitude of nations ; for
power is given you of the Lord, and
sovereignty from the Highest, Who
shall try your works, and search out
your counsels, because, being ministers
of His kingdom, ye have not judged
aright, nor kept the law of righteous
ness, nor walked according to the
will of God.
First Responsory.
My son, give me thine heart, &c.,
(P- 338.)
Second Lesson.
LJORRIBLY and speedily shall He
come upon you ; for a sharp
judgment shall be to them that be in
high places. For mercy will soon
pardon the meanest, but mighty men
shall be mightily tormented. For God
shall fear no man s person, neither
shall He stand in awe of any man s
greatness. For He hath made the
small and great, and careth for all
alike. But a sore trial shall come
upon the mighty.
Second Responsory.
The fear of the LORD, &c., (p. 336.)
Third Lesson.
T J
NTO you, therefore, O kings, do
I speak, that ye may learn
wisdom and not fall away. For they
that keep righteousness righteously,
shall be judged righteous ; and they
that have learned such things, shall
find what to answer. Wherefore set
your affection upon my words ; de
sire them, and ye shall be instructed.
Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth
away. Yea, she is easily seen of them
that love her, and found of such as seek
her.
Third Responsory.
Lord, remove, &c., (p. 336.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Wisdom (vii. i .)
T MYSELF also am a mortal man,
like to all, and the offspring of
him that was first made of the earth :
and in my mother s womb was fashioned
to be flesh, in the time of ten months,
352
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
being compacted in blood, of the seed
of man, and the pleasure that came
with sleep. And when I was born I
drew in the common air ; and fell
upon the earth, which is of like
nature ; and the first voice which I
uttered was crying, as all others do.
I was nursed in swaddling-clothes,
with great care. For there is no king
that had any other beginning of birth.
For all men have one entrance into
life, and the like going out.
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (p.
336.)
Second Lesson,
V^HEREFORE I prayed, and
understanding was given me.
I called, and the spirit of wisdom
came to me. I preferred her before
kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed
riches nothing in comparison of her ;
neither compared I unto her any
precious stone, because all gold in
respect of her is as a little sand, and
silver shall be counted as clay before
her. I loved her above health and
beauty, and chose to have her instead
of light, for the light that cometh from
her never goeth out.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (p.
337-)
Third Lesson.
A LL good things came to me to-
^^ gether with her, and innumerable
riches in her hands ; and I rejoiced in
them all, because wisdom went before
me, and I knew not that she was the
mother of them. I learned her faith
fully, and do communicate her liber
ally ; and I do not hide her riches.
For she is a treasure unto men that
never faileth, which they that use,
become the friends of God, becoming
commended for the gifts that come
from learning.
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
3370
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Wisdom (ix. 13.)
man is he that can know
the counsel of God ? or who
can think what the will of God is ?
For the thoughts of mortal men are
miserable, and their devices are but
uncertain. For the corruptible body
presseth down the soul, and the earthly
tabernacle weigheth down the mind
that museth upon many things. And
hardly do we guess aright at things
that are upon earth ; and with labour
do we find the things that are be
fore us. But the things that are in
heaven, who shall search them out ?
And Thy counsel who hath known, ex
cept Thou give wisdom, and send Thy
Holy Spirit from on high ? And so
the ways of them which live on the
earth are corrected, and men learn the
things that are pleasing unto Thee.
For by wisdom have they been healed,
whosoever have pleased Thee, O Lord,
even from the beginning.
First Responsory.
God [possessed me] in the begin-
ing, &c., (p. 334.)
THIRD WEEK OF AUGUST.
353
Second Lesson, (x. )
C HE preserved the first father of the
^ world that God formed, that was
created alone, and brought him out of
his fall, and gave him power to rule all
things. But when the unrighteous
went away from her in his anger, he
perished also in the fury wherewith
he murdered his brother. For whose
cause the earth being drowned with
the flood, wisdom again preserved it,
and directed the course of the righteous
in a piece of wood of small value.
Moreover, the nations in their wicked
conspiracy being confounded, she
found out the righteous, and preserved
him blameless unto God, and kept
him strong against his tender com
passion towards his son.
Second Responsory.
I alone compassed, &c., (p. 335-)
Third Lesson.
V\/HEN the ungodly perished she
delivered the righteous man,
who fled from the fire which fell down
upon the five cities, of whose wicked
ness even to this day the waste land
smoketh as a testimony, and plants
bearing fruit that never come to ripe
ness, and a standing pillar of salt is
a monument of an unbelieving soul.
For regarding not wisdom, they gat
not only this hurt, that they knew not
things which were good, but also left
behind them to the world a memorial
of their foolishness, so that in the
things wherein they offended, they
could not so much as be hid. But
wisdom delivered from pain those that
attended upon her.
Third Responsory.
O send out wisdom, &c., (p. 335-)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
first Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Wisdom (xiii. i.)
C URELY vain are all men, who are
^ ignorant of God, and could not,
out of the good things that are seen,
know Him That is ; neither, by con
sidering the works, did they acknow
ledge the Work-Master ; but deemed
either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or
the circle of the stars, or the violent
water, or the sun and moon, to be the
gods that govern the world. With
whose beauty if they being delighted,
took them to be gods, let them know
how much better the Lord of them
is. For the First Author of beauty
hath created them all.
First Responsory.
Give me wisdom, c., (p. 335.)
Second Lesson.
T)UT if they were astounded at their
*-* power and virtue, let them under
stand by them, how much mightier is
He That made them. For by the
greatness and beauty of the crea
tures, the Creator can be intelligibly
perceived. But yet for this they
are the less to be blamed, for per
chance they erred, seeking God and
desirous to find Him. For being
conversant in His works, they search
Him diligently, and believe their
sight, because the things are beauti
ful that are seen.
354
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Responsory.
The fear of the LORD, &c., (p. 336).
Third Lesson.
1LTOWBEIT, neither are they to be
pardoned. For if they were
able to know so much, that they could
form an opinion concerning the world,
how did they not sooner find out the
Lord thereof ? But miserable are they,
and in dead things is their hope, who
called them gods which are the works
of men s hands, gold and silver, to
show art in, and resemblances of
beasts, or a stone good for nothing,
the work of an ancient hand.
Third Responsory.
Lord, remove far from me, &c.,
(P- 336.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Wisdom (xv. I.)
T) UT Thou, O our God, art gracious
and true, long-suffering, and in
mercy ordering all things. For even
if we sin, we are Thine, knowing Thy
power ; and if we sin not, we know
that with Thee we are counted Thine.
For to know Thee is perfect righteous
ness ; and to know Thy righteousness
and Thy power is the root of im
mortality.
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (p.
336.)
Second Lesson.
pOR neither did the mischievous
invention of men deceive us,
nor the fruitless labour of a painted
image, a similitude fashioned with
divers colours, the sight whereof
enticeth fools to lust after it, and so
desire the form of a dead image
that hath no breath. Both they
that make them, and they that de
sire them, and they that worship
them are lovers of evil things, and
are worthy to have such things to
trust upon.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (p.
337-)
Third Lesson.
T^ OR the potter tempering the soft
earth, fashioneth every vessel
with much labour for our service, yea,
of the same clay he maketh both the
vessels that serve for clean uses, and
likewise also such as serve to the con
trary. But what is the use of either
sort, the potter himself is the judge.
And, employing his labours lewdly, he
maketh a god of the same clay, even
he which a little before was made
of earth himself, and within a little
while after returneth to the same out
of the which he was taken, when
his life which was lent him shall
be demanded.
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
3370
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Sojig of the Blessed
Virgin. Wisdom crieth in the streets :
FOURTH WEEK OF AUGUST.
355
* If any man love wisdom, let him
come unto me, and he shall find
her ; and when once he hath found
her, blessed shall he be if he hold
her.
Prayer of the succeeding Sunday.
JFourtij Sunfcag of
The Fourth Lord^s Day of August.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of l Eccle-
siasticus (i. i.)
A LL wisdom is of the Lord God,
and with Him hath ever been,
and is before the ages. Who can
number the sand of the sea and the
drops of rain, and the days of eternity ?
Who hath measured the height of
heaven, and the breadth of the earth,
and the depth of the deep ? Who
can search out the wisdom of God,
that was before all things ? Wisdom
hath been created before all things,
and the understanding of prudence
from everlasting. The word of God
most high is the fountain of wisdom,
and her ways the everlasting com
mandments.
First Responsory.
God [possessed me], &c., (p. 334.)
Second Lesson.
HP O whom hath the root of wisdom
been revealed ? or who hath
known her wise counsels ? Unto
whom hath the knowledge of wis
dom been made manifest ? And who
hath understood her manifold ways ?
God, the Most High, the Creator,
the Almighty, the Powerful King,
the Awful, That sitteth upon His
throne and reigneth, He is One.
He created her in His Holy Spirit,
and saw her, and numbered her,
and measured her. And He poured
her forth upon all His works, and
upon all flesh according to His
gift ; and He hath given her to
them that love Him.
Second Responsory.
I alone compassed, &c., (p. 335.)
Third Lesson.
HP HE fear of the Lord is honour,
and glory, and gladness, and a
crown of rejoicing. The fear of the
Lord maketh a merry heart, and
giveth joy, and gladness, and a long
life. Whoso feareth the Lord, it
shall go well with him at the last,
and he shall be blessed in his death.
The love of God is the glory of
wisdom. They unto whom she ap-
peareth in visions, love the sight
of her, and the knowledge of her
mighty works. To fear the Lord
is the beginning of wisdom, and it
was created with the faithful in the
womb.
1 Abp. Kenrick says that the author of this Book, Jesus the son of Sirach, wrote it originally
in Hebrew. (Now lost.) It was translated into Greek by his grand-son, in the most literal
manner, with no small detriment to perspicuity, as well as to elegance of style. Nothing
certain is known of the author, beyond what is gathered from the work itself. It is thought
to have been composed about 300 years before the coming of our Lord. The translation into
Greek was made under Ptolemy, probably the first of that name, who began to reign 247 years
before Christ. The Latin version is that of the ancient Vulgate. It abounds in paraphrases
and double translations of the same words.
356
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Responsory,
O send out wisdom, &c., (p. 335-)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Moral Reflections on Job, written
by Pope St Gregory [the Great.]
(Bk. i. 10 on Job i.)
COME there are who are careless
*^ concerning their true life, greedy
of the things which pass away, but as
to the things which are eternal, either
understand them not, or, understand
ing them, holding them to be but of
little moment ; they feel no sorrow,
nor know how to take wise advice ;
and, in forgetfulness of the heavenly
possessions which they have lost, they
deem themselves (alas, poor wretches !)
happy in their goods. They lift not
up their eyes to the light of truth
for which they were created ; no
keen desire ever maketh them to
cast a longing look toward the ever
lasting Fatherland. Leaving alone
the chief end for which they were
made, they fix their affections upon
the exile which they are enduring,
instead of upon their home, and
make merry in the blindness which
they are suffering, as though it were
glorious day-light.
Fourth Responsory.
Give me wisdom, &c., (p. 335.)
Fifth Lesson.
T)UT, on the other hand, the under-
standings of the elect, while they
apprehend the things which pass
away, perceive them to be indeed
nothings, and work towards grasping
the true end to which they were
created, and since nothing outside
God satisfieth them, their thought,
wearied by the intensity of specula
tion, findeth rest in the hope for, and
the contemplation of, their Maker.
They are fain to take their place
among the citizens above, and each
one of them, although still placed in
the world as concerns his body, doth
yet in heart and mind ascend above
the world. They bemoan the hard
ships of the exile which they are
enduring, and rouse themselves by the
constant pricking of their love, to look
to their Fatherland above. When
therefore such an one seeth with grief
that [by sin] he hath lost an eternal
inheritance, he findeth this healthy
counsel, to re.ckon but lightly the
things of time through which he is
passing, and as the riper groweth his
wise course that he hath chosen, to
let be these perishing things, the
deeper groweth his sorrow that he
hath not yet attained unto the things
which endure.
Fifth Responsory.
The fear of the Lord, &c., (p. 336.)
Sixth Lesson.
\ \ J"E must also realise that they who
* are headlong in their courses,
feel not sorrow of heart. They that
live without thought, who leave them
selves recklessly to the guidance of
events, escape the weariness of thought.
He that ordereth his life by prudent
consideration, looketh carefully around
him before each thing that he doth,
and, like a man, that before advanc
ing on an uncertain way, trieth the
ground with his foot, so he taketh
FOURTH WEEK OF AUGUST.
357
thought beforehand, lest some sudden
and evil thing should happen to him ;
he considereth whether that which he
hath a mind to do is not forbidden
to him by caution, whether he be not
too hasty about things which were
better put off to another season, lest
evil should overcome him by open
attack upon his lusts, or even good
undo him by the in-bringing of vain
glory.
Sixth Responsory.
Lord, remove far from me, &c., (p.
336.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory,
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (p.
336.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
is understanding, and the godly use
of knowledge ; but of sinners is
wisdom accursed.
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and Governor, &c.,
(P&gt; 337-)
Second Lesson.
"PHE fear of the Lord driveth away
sins, for he that feareth Him
not cannot be justified, for the fury of
such an one s anger is his destruction.
A patient man shall bear for a time,
and afterward joy shall spring up unto
him. Good understanding will hide
his words for a time, and the lips of
many shall declare his wisdom. The
understanding of instruction is in the
treasures of wisdom, but the worship
of God is an abomination to a sinner.
My son, if thou desire wisdom, keep
the commandments, and the Lord
shall give her unto thee.
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Ecclesiasticus (i. 22.)
HP HE crown of wisdom is the fear
of the Lord, Who maketh peace
and perfect health to flourish ; Who
hath seen and numbered them ; and
both of them are the gifts of God.
Wisdom raineth down skill and know
ledge of understanding, and exalteth
them to honour that hold her fast.
The root of wisdom is to fear the
Lord, and the branches thereof are
long life. In the treasury of wisdom
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (p.
3370
Third Lesson.
T^OR the fear of the Lord is wisdom
and instruction, and faith and
meekness are His delight, and there
with shall He fill His treasures. Be
not unbelieving, as touching the fear
of the Lord, and come not unto Him
with a double heart. Be not an
hypocrite in the sight of men, and
give not offence with thy lips. Take
good heed thereto, lest perchance thou
fall, and bring dishonour upon thy
soul, and so God discover thy secrets,
and cast thee down in the midst of
the congregation, because thou earnest
wickedly unto the Lord, and thine
358
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
heart was full of wickedness and
deceit.
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
337.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesso?i.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Ecclesiasticus (ii. i.)
TV/T Y son, if thou come to serve the
Lord, stand firm in righteous
ness and fear, and prepare thy soul
for temptation. Set thine heart lowly
and constantly endure ; incline thine
ear, and take heed to the word of
understanding ; and make not haste
in time of trouble. Bear patiently the
trials which God sendeth thee ; cleave
unto God, and wait patiently, that thy
life may be increased at the last.
First Responsory.
My son, give me thine heart, &c.,
(P- 338.)
Second Lesson.
V\^HATSOEVER is brought upon
VV thee take cheerfully; and be
patient when thou art changed to a
low estate. For gold and silver are
tried in the fire, and acceptable men
in the furnace of adversity. Believe
in God, and He will help thee. Order
thy way aright, and trust in Him.
Keep thee in awe of Him, and grow
old in His service.
Third Lesson.
VE that fear the Lord, wait for His
mercy, and go not aside, lest ye
fall. Ye that fear the Lord, believe
Him, and your reward shall not fail.
Ye that fear the Lord, hope in Him,
and His mercy shall come joyfully
upon you. Ye that fear the Lord,
love Him, and your hearts shall be
enlightened. My sons, look at the
generations of old, and see, did ever
any trust in the Lord, and was con
founded ? or did any abide in His
fear, and was forsaken ? or whom did
He ever despise that called upon Him?
Third Responsory.
Lord, remove, &c., (p. 336.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Ecclesiasticus (iii. I.)
^PHE children of wisdom are the
congregation of righteousness,
and the generation thereof, obedience
and love. Hear the judgment of your
father, O children, and do thereafter,
that ye may be safe. For God hath
given the father honour over the child
ren, and hath confirmed the authority
of the mother over the sons. Whoso
loveth God, prayeth that his sins may
be forgiven, and turneth him away
from them, and in time his prayer
shall be heard.
Second Responsory.
The fear of the LORD, &c., (p.
3360
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (p.
336.)
FOURTH WEEK OF AUGUST.
359
Second Lesson.
A ND he that honoureth his mother
*^ is as one that layeth up treasure.
He that honoureth his father, shall
have joy of his own children, and
when he maketh his prayer, he shall
be heard. He that honoureth his
father shall have a long life, and he
that is obedient unto his father, shall
be a comfort to his mother. He
that feareth the Lord, honoureth his
parents, and doth service unto them
that begat him, as unto his masters.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (p.
3370
Third Lesson.
TTONOUR thy father in deed, and
in word, and in all patience,
that a blessing may come upon thee
from him, and his blessing abide upon
thee at the last. The blessing of a
father establisheth the houses of child
ren ; but the curse of a mother rooteth
out foundations. Glory not in the
dishonour of thy father : for thy father s
dishonour is no glory unto thee. For
the glory of a man is from the honour
of his father, and a father in dishonour
is a reproach to the children.
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
3370
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Ecclesiasticus (iii. 22.)
CEEK not out the things that are
above thee, neither search the
things that are above thy strength.
But what God hath commanded thee,
think thereon alway, and be not curi
ous concerning the diversity of His
works. For it is not necessary for
thee to see with thine eyes the things
that are in secret. Search not too
much into unnecessary matters, and
be not curious concerning the diversity
of His works, for more things are
shown unto thee than men understand.
For many are deceived by their guesses
concerning" them, and a vain opinion
hath overthrown their judgment.
First Responsory.
God [possessed me], &c., (p. 334.)
Second Lesson.
A STUBBORN heart shall fare evil
*"* at the last, and he that loveth
danger shall perish therein. An heart
that entereth on a double way, shall
not have success, and he whose heart
is corrupt shall stumble therein. An
obstinate heart shall be laden with sor
rows, and the wicked man shall heap
sin upon sin. In the congregation of
the proud there is no remedy, for the
plant of wickedness hath taken root
there, and they shall not know it.
Second Responsory.
I alone compassed, &c., (p. 335.)
Third Lesson.
HTHE heart of the prudent will
understand wisdom, and the ear
of the good will listen to wisdom with
all eagerness. A wise and under
standing heart will refrain from sin,
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
and will work righteousness, and have
success therein. Water will quench a
flaming fire, and alms are an antidote
against sins. God looketh upon him
which giveth. He is mindful of him
hereafter, and when he faileth, he
shall find a stay.
Third Responsory.
O send out wisdom, &c., (p. 335.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Ecclesiasticus (iv. i.)
1X/TY son, clefraud not the poor of
*-** his alms, and turn not away
thine eyes from the needy. Deem
not lightly of an hungry soul, neither
provoke a poor man in his distress.
Grieve not the heart of the needy, and
defer not to give to him that is in
straits. Reject not the supplication of
the afflicted, and turn not away thy
face from a poor man.
First Responsory.
Give me wisdom, &c., (p. 335-)
Second Lesson.
^URN not away thine eyes in
anger from the needy, and
leave not such as ask from thee to
curse thee behind thy back ; for if he
curse thee in the bitterness of his
soul, his prayer shall be heard ; for
He That made him will hear him.
Get thyself the love of the congre
gation of the poor, and bow thy soul
to the aged, and bow thine head to
a great man.
Second Responsory.
The fear of the Lord, &c., (p. 336.)
Third Lesson.
T ET it not grieve thee to bow down
thine ear to the poor, and pay
that thou owest, and give him a
friendly answer with meekness. De
liver him that suffereth wrong from
the hand of the oppressor, and be not
faint-hearted. When thou sittest in
judgment, be as a tender father unto
the fatherless, and instead of an hus
band unto their mother ; so shalt thou
be as a dutiful son unto the Most
High, and He shall love thee more
than thy mother doth.
Third Responsory.
Lord, remove far from me, &c., (p.
336.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Ecclesiasticus (iv. 23.)
TV/I" Y son, observe the time, and be-
ware of evil. For thy soul s
sake be not ashamed to speak the
truth. For there is a shame that
bringeth sin ; and there is a shame that
bringeth glory and grace. Accept no
person against thy person, nor a lie
against thine own soul. Fear not thy
neighbour when he faileth, and re
frain not to speak when there is occa
sion to do good. Hide not thy wis
dom in her beauty.
FIFTH WEEK OF AUGUST.
361
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (p.
336.)
Second Lesson.
T7 OR by speech wisdom is known,
and understanding, and know
ledge and instruction by the word of
him that understandeth, and firmness
by works of righteousness. In no
wise speak against the truth, but be
abashed for the falsehood which thou
hast uttered through ignorance. Be
not ashamed to confess thy sins, and
make not thyself an underling to
any man by [cleaving to] thy sin.
Strive not against the person of the
mighty, and contend not against the
course of the river.
commandment, and forsake not the
law of thy mother, but bind them
continually upon thine heart.
If, however, the next day be the
Sunday nearest to the \st day of Sep
tember, the above is omitted, and the
Antiphon, "When Job heard," &c.,
(p. 368) is said instead.
Prayer of the succeeding Sunday.
Note. The whole of tJie following
week is omitted if the Sunday after
the fourth Saturday in August be the
Sunday nearest to the I st day of Sep
tember. And so with the fifth week
of September and October.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (p.
3370
Third Lesson.
CTRIVE for righteousness with all
thy soul, and contend for right
eousness unto death, and God shall
beat down thine enemies for thee. Be
not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy
deeds slack and remiss. Be not as a
lion in thine own house, troubling thy
servants, and oppressing them that
are subject unto thee. Let not thine
hand be stretched out to receive, and
shut when thou shouldest give.
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
337-)
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. * My son, keep thy father s
Jiftf) SunUag of
The Fifth Lord s Day of August.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Ecclesiasticus (v. i.)
HP URN not aside after ill-gotten
gain, neither say : This life is
all I need for when the hour of
vengeance cometh, the hour when
thou shalt have all things taken from
thee, this life will be nothing to thee.
When thou art lusty, follow not the
desire of thine heart, neither say :
How can I do it ? or who will bring
me to account for it, when it is done ?
For there is a God of vengeance Who
will be avenged on thee. Say not :
I have sinned, but what harm hath
Prov. vi. 20, 21.
362
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
befallen me ? The Most High repay-
eth, slowly, but surely. Though thou
have made an atonement for thy sin,
be not fearless concerning it, nor go
on to sin again.
First Responsory. .
God [possessed me], &c., (p. 334-)
Second Lesson.
C AY not : the mercy of the Lord is
*^ great, He will take my many sins
into merciful consideration for mercy
is in Him a dweller with anger, and
to the sinner it is His anger. Tarry
not to turn thee to the Lord, yea, de
fer not thy repentance from day to
day. For His wrath will come upon
thee suddenly, and in the moment of
His vengeance He will destroy thee.
Long not for ill-gotten gain for,
when the hour of vengeance cometh,
the hour when thou shalt have all
things taken from thee, they will avail
thee nothing. Be not blown about
with every wind, nor essay every path.
For thus, even by his double tongue,
is every sinner made manifest.
Second Responsory.
I alone compassed, &c., (p. 335.)
Third Lesson.
CTAND firm in the Lord s way,
^ and in faithfulness to thine un
derstanding and knowledge, and let
the word of peace and righteousness
go with thee. Be courteous in listen
ing, that thou mayest understand,
and with wisdom give a truthful
answer. If thou have wit, answer thy
neighbour ; but if not, let thine hand
be upon thy mouth, and be not de
tected in a foolish speech, and put to
the blush. The utterance of him that
hath understanding bringeth him hon
our and credit ; but the undoing of
a fool is his own tongue. Be not
thou called a tale-bearer, and be not
caught in thy speech, and put to the
blush.
Third Respo7isory.
O send out wisdom, &c., (p. 335-)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Ser
mons of St John Chrysostom, [Patri
arch of Constantinople.]
"TARRY not to turn thee to the
Lord, yea, defer not thy re
pentance from day to day for thou
knowest not what the morrow may
bring forth. In delay there is danger
and terror, but where there is no
delay, there health is safe and secure.
Live well then, and, then, however
young thou diest, thou wilt die safely ;
and if thou come to old age thou wilt
depart without vexation or trouble ;
and thou wilt have a double happi
ness, in that thou wilt be leaving all
the evils of life, and in that thou hast
lived well. Say not : There will be a
time meet for repentance for such
words as these do greatly rouse the
anger of God.
Fourth Responsory.
Give me wisdom, &c., (p. 335-)
Fifth Lesson.
T_T E hath promised thee eternal ages,
**" and thou wiliest not to work in
this present life, which is so short
and so fleeting. Dost thou so idly
and loosely carry thyself, as though
FIFTH WEEK OF AUGUST.
363
the life for which thou seekest were a
shorter life than this ? Do not daily
feastings, daily gluttonies, daily un-
cleanness, shows, and riches bear
witness to the undying nature of sinful
cravings ? Think it well over, that
as often as thou dost commit unclean-
ness, thou dost damn thyself for this
is the nature of sin, as soon as it is
committed, the Judge s sentence is
uttered.
Fifth Responsory*
The fear of the LORD, &c., (p.
336.)
Sixth Lesson.
H
AST thou been drunken ? Hast
thou over-eaten thyself? Hast
thou stolen ? Stop, and turn back ;
thank the goodness of God, that He
hath not taken thee away in the midst
of thy sins ; seek not more time where
in to commit iniquity. Many have
they been who have perished suddenly,
in the midst of bad and vicious lives,
and have gone away to manifest
damnation ; have a fear lest the same
thing befall thee. But, thou sayest,
they have been many to whom God
hath given time, and they have been
to confession in their old age. What
then ? Is that a proof that it will be
given to thee ? Perchance, sayest
thou. Why sayest thou, Perchance ?
It befalleth sometimes. Bethink thee
that it is of thy soul thou art consider
ing. Look at it the other way, and
say : What if it be not given ? But,
sayest thou, and what if it be ? May it
be so it is true it is among His gifts
but nevertheless, this is the safer and
the better way.
Sixth Responsory.
Lord, remove far from me, &c., (p.
336.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
O Lord, Father and God, &c., (p.
336.)
EigJitJi Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 218.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Ecclesiasticus (vii. i.)
invO not evil, so shall none come unto
thee. Depart from the unjust,
and iniquity shall turn away from thee.
My son, sow not evil in the furrows of
unrighteousness, and thou shalt not
reap the same sevenfold. Seek not
of the lord pre-eminence, neither of
the king the seat of honour. Justify
not thyself before God, for He is the
Beholder of hearts ; and seek not to
seem wise before the king.
First Responsory.
O Lord, Father and Governor, &c.,
(P- 337-)
Second Lesson.
C EEK not to be made a judge, unless
thou hast strength to break down
iniquity ; lest at any time thou fear the
person of the mighty, and lay a stum
bling-block in the way of thine up
rightness. Offend not against the
multitude of a city, nor cast thyself
down among the people, nor bind the
one fault upon the other, for in one
thou shalt not be unpunished. Be not
faint-hearted in thy soul ; pray, and
forget not to give alms.
3^4
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Responsory.
Great are Thy judgments, &c., (/.
3370
Third Lesson.
O AY not : God will look upon the
multitude of my oblations, and
when I offer to the Most High God,
He will accept it. Laugh no man to
scorn in the bitterness of his soul ; for
there is One Which humbleth and
exalteth, even God the Beholder.
Devise not a lie against thy brother;
neither do the like to thy friend. Use
not to make any manner of lie ; for the
custom thereof is not good. Use not
many words in a multitude of elders,
and make not much repetition when
thou prayest.
Third Responsory.
Lord, Thine eyes behold, &c., (p.
337-)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Ecclesiasticus (x. i.)
A WISE judge will judge his people,
and the government of a man of
understanding is firm. As the judge
of the people is himself, so are his
officers ; and what manner of man the
ruler of the city is, such are all they
that dwell therein. An unwise king
destroyeth his people, but through the
prudence of them which are in au
thority the cities shall be inhabited.
The power of the earth is in the hand
of God, and in due time He will set
over it one that is profitable. In the
hand of God is the prosperity of man ;
and upon the person of the scribe
shall He lay His honour.
First Responsory.
My son, give me thine heart, &c.,
(P. 338.)
Second Lesson.
"DEAR not hatred to thy neighbour
for every wrong ; and do nothing
at all by injurious practices. Pride is
hateful before God and man, and by
both is the iniquity of the heathen held
in abhorrence. Because of unrighteous
dealings, injuries, insults, and divers
deceits, the kingdom is translated from